JOEY Chestnut has made a big decision over whether he will participate in this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The iconic competitive eater missed out on the July 4th Coney Island event in 2024 after dominating it in years past.
Joey Chestnut seen winning Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island in 2022[/caption]
Chestnut didn’t participate in last year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, which saw Patrick Bertoletti win the event[/caption]
Chestnut was banned from the event last year due to a dispute over a sponsorship deal he had with another plant-based hot dog brand.
His ninth-straight title bid came to an end as he ended up fighting in a one-on-one contest with longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi on Labor Day instead.
But on Monday morning, Major League Eating (MLE) and Chestnut announced that the 41-year-old will return to compete in the Fourth of July tradition.
“I will be thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote on X.
“This event means the world to me.
“It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”
Chestnut then addressed the reason for his absence last year, and that there was miscommunication with him and MLE, which has since been resolved.
“While I have continued to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with,” Chestnut said in his statement.
“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground.
“I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”
MLE posted a hype video to announce Chestnut’s return to the annual hot dog-eating event.
“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” MLE Chair George Shea said in a statement.
“We look forward to watching the greatest eaters as they compete on a celebrated platform for international sports.”
Chesnut will look to dethrone last year’s winner, Patrick Bertoletti, who ate 58 dogs and buns.
That was four fewer than Chestnut’s winning total in 2023.
Chestnut instead competed against longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest, which was broadcast on Netflix last Labor Day[/caption]
Berlotetti was the first person since 2015 to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.
Chestnut has won the competition 16 times, which is a record.
He also holds the record for most dogs consumed in the competition, with 83.
What’s the beef?
Joey Chestnut will not be allowed to compete in this year’s Hot Dog Eating Contest because of a new sponsorship.
Chestnut has won 16 Fourth of July contests and in 2021 ate 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
The hot dog eating competition is run by Major League Eating and sponsored by Nathan’s – a famous wiener brand.
And Chestnut has signed a deal with plant-based Impossible Foods.
That makes it impossible for him to now compete in the Nathan’s contest, unless something changes.
Chestnut said he was “gutted” by the news he wouldn’t be allowed to defend his title.
