Usually the only intrigue that comes to mind when it comes to hot dogs is what may be in the ingredients.
However, when it comes to eating a lot of hot dogs in a short amount of time in celebration of America’s independence, controversy has suddenly become the word of the day.
For years, competitive eating star Joey Chestnut has been synonymous with the annual Fourth of July Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest at Coney Island.
Chestnut has 16 victories in the event’s history and an active winning streak that dates back to 2016. He even set a world record at the event in 2021, eating 76 hot dogs before time expired.
But now Chestnut has suddenly been banned from the 2024 competition, and for the first time since that announcement, the devourer of cylindrical meat and meat byproducts, among other things, has issued a public statement.
“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,” Chestnut wrote on X.
“To set the record straight, 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,” the post continued. “This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th event.
“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 HUNGRY!”
In their own statement, Major League eating said they are “devastated” that 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.”
“For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions,” the MLE statement also said. “However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship.”
Chestnut’s new sponsor Impossible Foods also waded into the disagreement with their own statement.
“We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses.
It’s OK to experiment with a new dog. Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener,” an Impossible Foods spokesman said.