Joey Chestnut was as surprised as everyone else when he learned he had been banned from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Eating is a big deal in America, so news of Chestnut’s ban rocked the competitive eating community after the New York Post’s Steve Cuozzo reported the 16-time champion would not compete in next month’s highly-anticipated event.
Chestnut, who has won the competition every year since 2016, took to social media to express his shock and disappointment, claiming he was “gutted” after learning of his ban from the media.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. 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.
“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!”
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Also Read: Joey Chestnut Has Been Banned From The 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest For The Funniest Reason
Joey Chestnut’s ban comes as a result of his deal with Impossible Foods, which recently launched a plant-based frankfurter.
According to a Major League Eating (MLE) rep cited by Cuozzo, the organization “bent over backwards” to accommodate Chestnut’s demands, including allowing him to take part in a rival Labor Day dog-eating fest taped by Netflix on the condition that no specific hot dog brand would be mentioned.
Joey Chestnut Was Hoping To Defend His Crown In 2024
Chestnut holds the hot dog-eating record, having shoved a whopping 76 down the hatch in 2021. He retained his title last year by eating 62 dogs.
The 40-year-old said he was training to defend his title in recent social media posts.
Chestnut is reported to have received a four-year offer to the tune of $1.2 million from Nathan’s.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” MLE said on Tuesday. “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.”
Also Read:Teanna Trump Says She Can Defeat Joey Chestnut In Scarfing Down Multiple Hot Dogs
