• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 13, 2024

Meatless Makeover: Joey Chestnut Is Out of Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest

  • The champion eater won’t go for his 17th Nathan’s hot dog victory this July.
  • He’s banned from the event over his partnership deal with Impossible Foods.
Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

America’s classic Fourth of July tradition, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, will look unrecognizable this year without its superstar Joey Chestnut. And a business decision is to blame.

Chestnut’s partnership with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based meat alternatives to burgers and hot dogs, is what’s blocking him out of the event, according to the New York Post. Major League Eating said a Labor Day competition on Netflix with no brand promotion was offered, but the Nathan’s competition has had the same “basic hot dog exclusivity provisions” for nearly 20 years.

“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” MLE said in a statement. “MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.”

The Post reports that Chestnut made $200,000 competing in last year’s contest, and was offered a $1.2 million contract to stick around for the next four years. Whatever Impossible offered ultimately was more enticing.

An Accomplished Eater

Chestnut, 40, is the star of the competitive eating world, and has won 16 Nathan’s competitions while gaining national acclaim. He holds the world record for eating 76 dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2021, and has won the Fourth of July competition every year since ’16. In ’23, he sailed to victory with 62 dogs.

MLE’s own website calls him the “greatest eater in history.” 

“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. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand,” MLE said.

MLE and Chestnut did not immediately respond to Front Office Sports’ requests for comment.

Chestnut’s biggest rival, Takeru Kobayashi, won six straight Nathan’s contests before also dropping out due to business quarrels with MLE. He hasn’t entered the competition since 2009 because he refused to sign an exclusive deal with the organization. Kobayashi retired in May, saying: “I no longer feel hunger.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

De'Vondre Campbell

49ers Blast ‘Stupid’ and ‘Selfish’ Teammate Who Refused to Play

De’Vondre Campbell refused to re-enter the game Thursday night.
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) goes in for a sack on Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

How the CFP’s On-Campus Guinea Pigs Are Handling Historic December Home Games

The biggest games in school history will be when students are home for break.
Cody Bellinger

The Astros Cheating Scandal Still Looms Large Five Years Later

It may end up a major factor in the Cubs’ and Yankees’ offseasons. 
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) celebrates with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) altering recording a triple-double Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 93-86.

The Meteoric Rise of Women’s Basketball in 2024

The business of women’s basketball exploded this year.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium.

The Biggest Athlete Contracts Signed in 2024

Juan Soto and Jayson Tatum inked the biggest deals.
Caitlin Clark
December 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.
December 11, 2024

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.