Hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut will not be competing at this year’s world-famous Fourth of July contest over a contract beef regarding vegan sausages.
According to a statement from Major League Eating – which oversees the contest – Chestnut won’t be able to compete in this year’s competition because of his decision to endorse a vegan hot dog brand over Nathan’s, who sponsor the event.
"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," the statement reads.
Chestnut has won the event 16 times since 2005 and hasn’t been beaten since 2015.
In 2021, he became a world record holder after slamming back 76 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. The drama comes after Chestnut began endorsing Impossible – a popular provider of vegan hot dogs, burgers, and sausages.
The competition requires eaters not to endorse any brands that rival Nathan’s.
"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions.
"However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritised a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship," the statement said.
It called Chestnut an “American hero” and pleaded for him to rescind his vegan endorsements and come back to Nathan’s.
“We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."
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