Joey Chestnut has been barred from the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after endorsing a competing vegan hot dog brand.
Breitbart reported that Chestnut, known widely for his impressive records in competitive eating, has faced a significant setback due to a recent contract violation. For the first time in over a decade, Chestnut will not compete in the renowned Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition, an event synonymous with American festivities and Chestnut's July 4 dominance since 2016.
Since his first win in 2016, Chestnut has been unmatched at the annual event held at Coney Island, New York.
His consistent victories have not only made him a national celebrity but have also solidified the event as a staple of American competitive eating culture. Significantly, during the 2022 competition, Chestnut showcased his dominance by consuming 63 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.
The 2022 Nathan's event also highlighted his resolve when he took down an animal rights activist who disrupted the contest. This incident showed not only his competitive spirit but also his commitment to the event itself, further enriching his persona as a dedicated competitor in the public eye.
However, Joey Chestnut's long-standing relationship with Nathan faced turbulence due to his recent engagement with Impossible Foods. His signing with the producer of plant-based meat products, including vegan hot dogs, directly conflicted with his exclusive contract with Nathan’s. This breach of contract was not taken lightly by Major League Eating (MLE), the body that oversees the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
This endorsement was particularly controversial because it was seen as direct competition against Nathan’s products, violating the exclusivity agreement Chestnut had with the hot dog company.
In response to Chestnut's endorsement of a rival brand, MLE expressed profound disappointment. They voiced their dismay through a statement that indicated the lengths they went to in accommodating Chestnut, including substantial financial agreements.
"MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths 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," said MLE.
The breach thus not only reflects contractual disagreements but also showcases a potential shift in Chestnut’s alignment with the ethos of the famous hot dog contest. MLE described this move as Chestnut and his management prioritizing a new partnership over a long-standing relationship that had been sustained for nearly two decades under the same exclusivity terms.
MLE's sorrow is deeply set in the fear of losing one of its main attractions to a rival brand. “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestraftnut jumped ship to represent a competitor, especially after making several compromises such as a $200K payment for last year’s attendance and a $1.4 million four-year sponsorship offer to retain him,” MLE added in their statement.
They further hope that Chestnut, whom they referred to as an "American hero," may one day return to Nathan’s event, provided he is not affiliated with competing brands.
The exclusion of Joey Chestnut from the 2024 event is likely to have significant repercussions for the contest's dynamics, viewership, and sponsorship engagements.
As preparations for next year proceed, all eyes will be on who will step up as the next champion in what has become one of the most high-profile competitive eating events globally.
While the event will continue, the absence of Joey Chestnut marks a crucial turning point, raising questions about the future of brand endorsements and athlete commitments in the competitive eating realm.
In summary, Joey Chestnut will miss competing in the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition, a significant change sparked by his recent contractual breach with Nathan’s for endorsing a rival vegan hot dog company. His absence marks a momentous shift not just for him, but for the event that has been graced by his presence and performance for many years.