New York, NY – Competitive eating sensation Joey “Jaws” Chestnut has been disinvited from the prestigious Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest after partnering with a vegan hot dog manufacturer, Impossible Foods. This move has set off a debate within the Major League Eating community and fans of the annual event, which draws thousands of spectators each year.
According to Major League Eating (MLE), Chestnut’s decision to team up with a rival brand that offers plant-based hot dogs goes against the spirit of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. The organization expressed disappointment that Chestnut chose a vegan sponsorship over participating in the iconic event.
While MLE has left the door open for Chestnut to return to the competition, they made it clear that he would need to sever ties with the vegan brand in order to do so. The organization praised Chestnut as an “American hero” and expressed a desire to have him back in the lineup for the contest.
Chestnut, a 16-time winner of the Nathan’s contest and a world record holder for hot dog eating, expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that he was “gutted” by the ban. He also clarified that he does not have a contractual obligation to MLE or Nathan’s and suggested that the rules regarding sponsorships had changed since previous years.
The Fourth of July hot dog eating competition has a long history, dating back to 1916 when it was first held as a way to settle a dispute among four European immigrants about who was more American. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, becoming a beloved tradition for many Americans.
Chestnut’s exclusion from the contest raises questions about the role of sponsorships in competitive eating and the balance between tradition and innovation in the sport. As fans eagerly await the outcome of this controversy, the future of Chestnut’s participation in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest remains uncertain.