Joey Chestnut, the 16-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, will not compete in the annual Fourth of July event next month, Major League Eating announced Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Major League Eating (MLE) told ESPN that Chestnut had chosen to “represent another brand of hot dogs” and therefore would not be allowed to participate in the Nathan's contest, which is held annually in the Coney Island of the New York City.
Chestnut, the biggest competitive eating star known as “Jaws,” won the event eight years in a row. He reportedly agreed to an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes plant-based hot dogs and a competing company of Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs.
“It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, 'I'm going to represent Adidas too,'” said MLE event organizer George Shea.
Chestnut, in turn, issued his own statement about X, saying he is “gutted” to find out he wouldn't be able to compete.
“I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans across this great country on the 4th and I've been training to defend my title,” Chestnut said in his post. “…Unfortunately, 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.”
Impossible Foods told ESPN that they support Chestnut “in whatever contest he chooses” and that “carnivores shouldn't have to be exclusive to just one sausage.”
Major League Eating said in a statement that it was “devastated” to learn that Chestnut “has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs.”
“MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths in recent months to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the introduction fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival off-brand hot dog eating contest on Labor Day,” MLE said in your statement. “For nearly two decades we have operated under the same basic provisions of hot dog exclusivity. However, it appears that Joey and his management have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-term relationship.”
In his post, Chestnut said he does not have a contract with MLE or Nathan's, and “they are looking to change the rules from previous years regarding other partners I can work with.”
Chestnut owns top 10 performances in Nathan's famous hot dog eating contest, including a record 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021. He ate 62 hot dogs and buns to win last year's event.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” the MLE statement said. “We would love nothing more than to have him in Nathan's famous international hot dog eating contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
Chestnut thanked his fans and promised that he wouldn't be away from the spotlight for long.
“Rest assured, you'll see me eat again soon!!” posted on X. “STAY HUNGRY!”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
