Major League Eating, the organizer of Nathan's annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, has spoken out about the fact that reigning champion Joey Chestnut will not compete in the 2024 competition.
On Tuesday, June 11, it was announced that Chestnut, who has won the eating contest a total of 16 times, was not allowed to compete due to an agreement he has with Nathan's competitor Impossible Foods, which recently launched a product at plant base. Hot dog.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than compete in the famous 2024 Nathan's 4th of July hot dog eating contest,” said a MLE statement he said at the time, adding that they arranged for Chestnut to compete in a Labor Day hot dog eating contest that would not include any specific brand.
The statement ended: “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-term relationship. Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have you in Nathan's famous international hot dog eating contest. We hope that he returns when he does not represent a rival brand.”
Chestnut responded to the statement in an Instagram post, stating that the rules changed this year.
“To make things clear, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathan's and they are looking to change the rules from previous years when it comes to other partners I can work with. “Apparently this is the basis for which I am being banned and it does not affect the 4th of July contest,” he wrote on the platform.
“Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making and it will deprive big fans of the usual holiday joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love and appreciate you. Rest assured that soon you will see me eat again. Stay tuned and STAY HUNGRY!”
However, MLE has clarified more while speaking to The independent that Chestnut has never been allowed to promote another brand of hot dogs. “In exchange for his fee to appear and compete, Joey agreed each year to a very simple exclusivity clause: not to endorse or sponsor another hot dog brand,” said a representative for the organization.
“The idea that Nathan's or MLE changed the rules this year is as ridiculous as it is silly. What company would pay someone an introduction fee of several hundred thousand dollars and knowingly allow them to endorse a direct competitor immediately afterwards?
“Joey was not banned,” the statement continued. “Joey decided not to compete in the contest at the time he decided to make a sponsorship deal with one of Nathan's competitors.”
In a statement to The independent, An MLE spokesperson reiterated that Joey can partner with any food brand as long as it is not a hot dog brand and can still compete in hot dog eating contests that are not associated with a specific brand.
