Joey Chestnut issued a response via social media Tuesday after being banned from the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Chestnut reportedly was offered a 4-year, $1.2 million contract to continue competing in the Nathan’s competition, which takes place every July 4th at Coney Island in New York. However, Chestnut instead signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods. Impossible Foods is considered a rival/competitor to Nathan’s Hot Dogs, which led Major League Eating (MLE) to block Chestnut from competing in the event. MLE runs the Nathan’s annual hot dog competition.
The 40-year-old Chestnut responded via his X profile.
“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,” Chestnut wrote in a message posted on X.
“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.
“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!”
Chestnut has won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 16 times. He has been the winner of the 4th of July event every year since 2016, and ate a world record 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021.
