Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Amidst Brand Rivalry

Sixteen-time champion Joey Chestnut has been prohibited from participating in the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his recent brand partnership with Impossible Foods, a competitor of Nathan's.

Joey Chestnut, the reigning king of hot dog eating, has been sidelined from the upcoming Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest due to a sponsorship conflict. Chestnut, a 16-time winner of the event, has been banned from the competition after signing a brand deal with Impossible Foods, which is seen as a rival to Nathan's.

Major League Eating (MLE), the governing body for competitive eating, ruled that Chestnut's partnership with Impossible Foods violated the terms of the Nathan's contract. MLE officials determined that Chestnut's involvement with a competing brand could damage the reputation of the Nathan's contest.

Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Amidst Brand Rivalry

Speaking at a recent WNBA game, Chestnut expressed his disappointment with the decision but maintained that he had no regrets about his sponsorship with Impossible Foods. Chestnut lamented the public nature of the contract negotiations, saying that it had created an unfortunate situation.

Chestnut remains hopeful that the two sides can reach an agreement in time for him to compete on the Fourth of July in Coney Island. The competitive eater has stated that he will be prepared and hungry if a resolution can be found.

Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Amidst Brand Rivalry

While banned from Nathan's, Chestnut has a busy schedule planned. He has been announced to face his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a Netflix-streamed event on September 2nd. Chestnut has also stated that he is excited to compete against Kobayashi once more.

Despite being best known for his hot dog eating prowess, Chestnut holds numerous other eating records. His website reveals that he travels 200 days a year competing and has consumed 32 Big Macs in 38 minutes, 44 Raising Cane's chicken fingers in five minutes, and 61½ four-ounce pork roll sandwiches in 10 minutes.

Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Amidst Brand Rivalry

Chestnut's toughness was showcased during the 2022 Nathan's event when he took down a protester via a chokehold. The incident did not deter Chestnut, who proceeded to devour 63 hot dogs and buns.

Chestnut's 76 hot dogs and buns from the 2021 contest remain a world record. The 40-year-old is widely considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) in his sport, having won the Nathan's contest every year but one since 2007. He was only defeated by Matt Stonie in 2015 but has since reclaimed his dominance with eight consecutive victories.

Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Amidst Brand Rivalry

As the ban on Chestnut continues, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of a possible resolution. The competitive eater remains optimistic and ready for action, eager to prove his supremacy in the world of competitive eating.