Joey Chestnut recently took to Twitter to share his feelings about being barred from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, an annual event held on July 4 that brought him fame. In his tweet, he expressed being “gutted” by the decision.
Joey Chestnut, banned from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, expressed his disappointment.
The reigning 16-time champion revealed, “I am devastated to hear that after nearly 20 years I’m banned from competing at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.” He emphasized his love for this event and his fans, mentioning his dedicated training for months to defend his title. Chestnut clarified that while he has no official contract with Major League Eating or Nathan’s, recent rule changes regarding partnerships led to his exclusion.
Major League Eating’s decision has raised eyebrows, with their spokesperson mentioning Chestnut’s tie to Impossible Foods as a reason for the ban.
In a surprising turn, Chestnut opted to compete in a hot dog eating contest that featured a plant-based alternative, sparking controversy. Despite negative reactions, Chestnut implied that this move was unintended. The 40-year-old recently triumphed at the Ultimate Bologna Showdown in Tennessee, showing his competitive spirit remains.
Opportunistic brands have seized on Chestnut’s situation. For instance, the Seattle Mariners invited him to their “Hot Dogs From Heaven” event at T-Mobile Park, where hot dogs descend via parachute to fans below.
Similarly, a restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida, Madison Social, extended an invitation to Chestnut for a unique eating competition.
Even the Omaha Storm Chasers, a minor league team affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, expressed interest in having Chestnut grace their event. This overwhelming support demonstrates the widespread appeal of Chestnut and the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
While reconciliation seems unlikely before July 4, Chestnut has garnered significant attention, enjoying his moment in the spotlight well ahead of schedule.