Competitive eating legend Joey “Jaws” Chestnut has been surprisingly ousted from the upcoming Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. The 40-year-old champion, known for devouring mountains of hot dogs, will be absent this year due to a sponsorship conflict.
A Reign of Mustard-Yellow Victories Interrupted
Joey Chestnut boasts an impressive record, having won the Nathan’s Famous contest all but once since 2007. In 2021, he demolished a staggering 76 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, solidifying his place in competitive eating history. Last year, despite falling short of his own record with a still-impressive 63 hot dogs, he blamed stormy weather for the dip in performance.
Sponsorship Showdown Leads to Exclusion
However, a recent endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company, has thrown a wrench into Joey Chestnut’s hot dog-eating future. Nathan’s Famous, the contest organizer, prohibits participants from endorsing competing hot dog brands. Major League Eating (MLE), the governing body for the competition, expressed disappointment in a statement:
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
MLE claims they worked diligently to accommodate Chestnut, including agreeing to his appearance fee and allowing him to compete in a separate unbranded contest later in the year. However, they maintain their stance on brand exclusivity.
Chestnut Disputes Blame
Chestnut has taken to social media to express his frustration, refuting MLE’s claims:
“I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with.”
“Stop Being Such Weenies!”
The situation has sparked debate. MLE’s event organizer, George Shea, compares the situation to a classic athlete-brand partnership:
“It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, ‘I’m going to represent Adidas, too.'”
Meanwhile, Impossible Foods stands by Chestnut, offering support “in any contest he chooses,” while also playfully adding, “meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”
Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams has entered the fray, urging MLE to “stop being such weenies” on social media and reinstate Chestnut for the July 4th contest.
With the hot dog-eating world watching, the fate of Joey Chestnut’s Nathan’s Famous future remains uncertain. Will a resolution be reached, or will the competitive eating champion be forced to sit on the sidelines this year? Only time will tell.
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