Joey Chestnut, the hot dog-guzzling legend, won’t be part of this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, an annual July 4th tradition that’s been clogging arteries for decades.
Reason for Withdrawal
Chestnut’s recent gig as a spokesperson for Impossible Foods, the plant-based meat gurus, conflicts with Nathan’s hot dog exclusivity rules. Guess promoting faux meat doesn’t mix with shoving down real hot dogs.
Official Statement from Major League Eating
Major League Eating (MLE), the overseer of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, expressed their dismay:
“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 and Nathan’s went to great lengths in recent months 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 hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.”
Joey Chestnut’s Track Record
Chestnut has been the dominant force at Nathan’s since 2007, except for a hiccup in 2015 when Matt Stonie swooped in. He bounced back in 2016 and kept winning. Last year, he devoured 62 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, holding the record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021. A true wiener.
Future Appearance
Chestnut won’t be idle. He’s starring in a Netflix hot dog eating contest over Labor Day weekend. Because why not binge-watch hot dog binging?
Broadcast and Competition
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will air on ESPN. With Chestnut out, it’s anyone’s game. Time for other eaters to ketchup and maybe relish a chance to break some records.
Wrapping Up
Joey Chestnut’s pivot to plant-based endorsements marks a major career twist, shaking up this year’s Nathan’s contest. Stay tuned for more updates and juicy news on HitPlay.
The move by Joey Chestnut to endorse a plant-based meat company signifies a notable shift in his career, affecting this year’s Nathan’s famous event. Don’t miss future updates and entertainment news on HitPlay.
