Joey Chestnut has been the top dog in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for years.
However, this year, Chestnut will not participate in the July 4 mainstay because of an sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, the New York Postfirst reported.
Impossible Foods is the top producer of meatless products and recently started producing a hot dog “made from plants.”
Chestnut has won the Mustard Belt 16 times — and every year since 2016.
“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,” Major League Eating, the organization which sanctions the contest, said in a statement.
MLE added Chestnut can return to the competition when he stops representing Impossible Foods.
“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, which he has dominated for years,” MLE said. “We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
Chestnut responded with three posts on X, formerly Twitter, and said he was sadden by the news, which he heard about when everyone else did.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years, I’m banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut said. “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 Nathan’s 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.
“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!”
Impossible Foods offered its support to Chestnut.
“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,” Impossible Foods said to USA Today Sports.
The Nathan’s contest has been a tradition in Coney Island since 1916, per the Post.
