By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Competitive eater Joey Chestnut has been competing in the July 4th hot dog eating contest for a long time. But that won’t happen in 2024.
News broke of the decision came on Tuesday.
Chesnut has a deal with Impossible Brands. This led to him being banned from his marquee event.
Major League Wrestling does not want him to have a sponsorship with a rival brand.
He has since released a statement.
“I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years I am banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chesnut said in a Facebook post. “I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.
“To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th contest.”
Now with Chesnut not able to compete, it’ll allow others to take the Mustard belt. Chestnut was a 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
He won from 2007 through 2014. Then, he won again from 2016 through 2023. Matt Stone defeated Chesnut during the 2015 competition.
“Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon. Stay tuned and STAY HUNGRY!”
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