Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut Barred from Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest Due to Vegan Sponsorship Controversy!
The upcoming Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest has hit a snag as the reigning champ, Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut, won’t be competing. Why? Because he got a sponsorship from a rival brand.
This news, announced by Major League Eating (MLE), has surprised everyone in the competitive eating scene and has fans worried about what will happen to the big event.
Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut is well-known for eating a lot of hot dogs really quickly. He’s won the Nathan’s contest many times and once ate 76 hot dogs in just 10 minutes! So, it’s significant that he won’t be in this year’s contest. Fans and other competitors will definitely miss seeing him there.
The problem started because Joey Chestnut got a deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes vegan hot dogs, which are like the ones Nathan’s sells. Then, Major League Eating quickly said Joey couldn’t join the contest unless he stopped working with Impossible Foods.
“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 lamented in a statement released on Tuesday.
Even though fans love Chestnut, MLE made it clear: in the contest, you have to eat Nathan’s hot dogs, not other brands’. Even though Chestnut is famous, the organizers are sticking to their decision to keep the event fair.
Chestnut, however, was quick to respond to the ban, expressing his disappointment on social media.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I’m banned,” Chestnut stated, affirming his dedication to defending his title and assuring fans that they would see him eat again soon.
As the excitement and tension around the hot dog contest continue to grow, fans are curious about what lies ahead for the Nathan’s competition and for Joey Chestnut’s reputation as its champion.
Even though Chestnut won’t be there this year, his influence on competitive eating is huge and will be remembered for a long time.
In response to the controversy, Impossible Foods released a statement expressing support for Chestnut in “any contest he chooses.” The company, known for its plant-based meat alternatives, emphasized the importance of dietary diversity and hinted at the growing popularity of vegan options even in traditionally meat-centric events.
The choice to stop Chestnut from joining the contest has sparked talks about sponsorships in sports and entertainment. Some think athletes should pick their sponsors freely, while others believe certain events need loyalty to stay honest.
As we get closer to the Fourth of July, everyone will be watching Coney Island to see what happens at this year’s hot dog eating contest.
We’re all wondering if Joey Chestnut can win again or if someone else will become the new champion.