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Joey Chestnut's ban from Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog eating contest is like 'a gut punch', says competition's host
The competitive eating world - including the host of the Nathan's hot dog contest - is reeling after news that the legendary Joey Chestnut would not be participating in this year's July 4 competition.
On Tuesday, the New York Post reported that Chestnut's deal with vegan frank manufacturer Impossible Foods will preclude him from competing this year on Coney Island, with the 16-time Nathan's champ hoping to endorse rival Impossible during the event.
And in the words of the competition's host, George Shea, Chestnut's exclusion feels like a 'gut punch.'
'To me this is a tradition; it is about New York; it is about the Fourth of July,' Shea told the New York Times, adding that he was 'devastated' by the development.
'But maybe that's just me and not what this is like for everybody.'
Joey Chestnut won his 16th Nathan's hot dog contest last year on July 4 in Coney Island
But he will skip the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition due to a sponsorship conflict
Shea described Chestnut and the competition's separation as the 'inevitable consequence' of his partnership with Impossible Foods, according to the Times.
'It would be like back in the day Michael Jordan coming to Nike, who made his Air Jordans, and saying, 'I am just going to rep Adidas too,' Mr. Shea said. 'It just can't happen.''
Chestnut was reportedly paid $200,000 to appear at last year's Nathan's contest and was offered a $1.2million, four-year deal this year.
However, the eater has now 'prioritized a new partnership with a different brand' in the eyes of Major League eating.
The organization said 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 and Nathan's went to great lengths in recent months to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.
'For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship.'
'Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.'
Chestnut is welcome to return to the annual contest when his conflicting sponsorship ends
Chestnut, who wolfed down 62 hot dogs to win the 2023 title, later broke his silence and said he was 'gutted' by the news.
'I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest,' he said on X. '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 Nathans 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 event.'
He continued, '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!'