Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, won’t compete within the annual Fourth of July occasion subsequent month, Major League Eating introduced Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Major League Eating (MLE) informed ESPN that Chestnut had chosen to “represent another hot dog brand” and due to this fact wouldn’t be allowed to take part within the Nathan’s contest, which is held yearly at New York City’s Coney Island.
Chestnut, aggressive consuming’s greatest star who is named “Jaws,” has gained the occasion eight years in a row. He reportedly agreed to a sponsorship take care of Impossible Foods, an organization that makes plant-based hot canines, and a competing firm to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
“It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, ‘I’m going to represent Adidas, too,'” MLE occasion organizer George Shea stated.
Chestnut, in flip, issued his personal assertion on X, saying he’s “gutted” to seek out out that he would not have the ability to compete.
“I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title,” Chestnut stated in his publish. “… Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”
Impossible Foods informed ESPN that they assist Chestnut “in any contest he chooses” and that “meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”
Major League Eating stated in an announcement that it was “devastated” to seek out out that Chestnut “has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs.”
“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,” MLE stated in its assertion. “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.”
In his publish, Chestnut stated he would not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s, and “they are looking to change the rules from past years as it related to other partners I can work with.”
Chestnut owns the highest 10 performances on the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, together with downing a document 76 hot canines and buns in 2021. He ate 62 franks and buns to win final yr’s occasion.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” MLE’s assertion stated. “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.”
Chestnut thanked his followers and promised that he would not be away from the highlight for lengthy.
“Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!!” he posted to X. “STAY HUNGRY!”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.