Joey Chestnut holding a plate of hot dogs at Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest 2021

Joey Chestnut Will Compete In July 4th Competition Despite Nathan's Ban

Home / Entertainment / Joey Chestnut Will Compete In July 4th Competition Despite Nathan's Ban

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 27, 2024 at 2:15 PM EDT

This Fourth of July will see a notable change from previous years, as Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, will not be competing due to his ban.

According to The Blast's report, he received a ban for violating a contractual obligation to endorse a different brand of hot dogs. While Joey Chestnut may not be participating in the famous Nathan's-sponsored Fourth of July contest, he will be part of a different competition!

Article continues below advertisement

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Bars Joey Chestnut

Joey Chestnut at Nathan's hot dog eating contest
MEGA

According to the New York Post, Joey Chestnut is out at Nathan's famous hot dog eating contests after he made a deal with Impossible Foods, a vegan company that recently launched a plant-based vegan dog.

Nathan's and Major League Eating have claimed that Impossible Foods is a competitor; therefore, his association with the vegan brand is against competing rules.

Article continues below advertisement

"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," Major League Eating told the New York Post in a statement at the time. "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."

"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-time relationship," the MLE added.

Article continues below advertisement

Breaking His Silence On Nathan's Ban

Joey Chestnut at Nathan's hot dog eating contest
MEGA

Hours after the news broke, 16-time champ Joey Chestnut broke his silence, slamming the brand and expressing his disappointment to "learn from the media" about the ban.

“I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years, I am banned from the Nathan's 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” he wrote in the caption of an Instagram post at the time. “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," the champ added.

Article continues below advertisement

Addressing The Alleged Contract With Nathan's

Joey Chestnut at Nathan's hot dog eating contest
MEGA

Chestnut went on, “To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathan's 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 contest.”

"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," he said. "To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon. Stay tuned and STAY HUNGRY!"

The hot dog-eating champ is not letting Nathan's ban deter him from competing on the Fourth of July, as he has landed a spot in a new contest.

Article continues below advertisement

Joey Chestnut Lands New Competition!

Joey Chestnut holding a plate of hot dogs
MEGA

Joey Chestnut fans rejoice! The hot dog-eating champ is back and will once again consume dozens of the BBQ staple in an attempt to take home the belt.

"@joeyjaws, Soldiers at Fort Bliss heard you might be looking for a place to eat on July 4th," Fort Bliss wrote in a social media post, inviting Joey Chestnut to their Fourth of July contest. "We would love to invite you to our Pop Goes the Fort July 4th Celebration to celebrate with our troops and see if you can take on some of our Soldiers in a hot dog eating contest!"

Of course, the hot-dog-eating champ can't say no to that... "ABSOLUTELY!!" he wrote in an X post in response to an invitation from Fort Bliss. "Thank you @FortBlissTexas for the invitation!! I'm honored to celebrate America's birthday with U.S. ARMY soldiers and their families. Bring me your best 4 eaters and I'll take them down, combined!"

Fort Bliss secured the deal by simply replying, "It’s a date!! We can’t wait, see you soon!"

Article continues below advertisement

Joey Heads To El Paso

Joey Chestnut holding a plate of hot dogs
MEGA

Chestnut is set to participate in the El Paso-based Fourth of July event against soldiers from Fort Bliss during the annual "Pop Goes the Fort Independence Day" celebration at Biggs Park.

At last year’s Nathan's event, Chestnut ate 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. We shall see what he does at the Texas competition.

Advertisement