Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, has been disqualified from this year’s competition after partnering with vegan brand Impossible Foods, a direct competitor of Nathan’s. The Major League Eating (MLE) organization announced his removal, citing a conflict of interest.
Nathan’s devastated by Chestnut’s decision
“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 stated. They emphasized that Chestnut could rejoin if he ends his vegan sponsorship deal.
Joey Chestnut has won the Nathan’s contest 16 times
Joey Chestnut, who has won the Nathan’s contest 16 times and holds the world record of eating 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes, expressed his disappointment on social media. “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,” he wrote.
MLE and Nathan’s claimed to have made extensive efforts to accommodate Chestnut, but were ultimately unable to reach an agreement. The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, a historic event since 1916, attracts around 40,000 spectators annually. The contest’s origins are part of its mystique, dating back to a myth about immigrants competing to prove their American identity.
Chestnut’s other records
Beyond hot dogs, Chestnut holds multiple eating records, including 141 hard-boiled eggs in eight minutes and 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes. Despite the setback, he remains a towering figure in competitive eating.
