Key Takeaways:
– Joey Chestnut is ineligible for the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest due to a conflict with an endorsement deal.
– Chestnut, a 16-time champion, had an agreement clash with the contest after signing a contract with Impossible Foods.
– There will be 15 men and 14 women battling separately for the $20,000 Yellow Mustard Belt.
– Despite the controversy, Chestnut plans to compete in other events.
An Irreplaceable Coney Island Competitor Steps Back
Joey Chestnut, popularly known as “Jaws,” has been participating in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest for nearly 20 years, boasting a remarkable 16 wins during this period. However, for the first time in 2024, he won’t be seen battling it out at Coney Island. According to the Washington Post, this absence results from a sponsorship conflict, after Chestnut endorsed Impossible Foods, a plant-based food company.
Who Will Compete for the Yellow Mustard Belt?
The 2024 contest is expected to bring together a dynamic group of 15 men and 14 women. They will be vying separately in two events for the iconic Yellow Mustard Belt and a cash prize of $20,000. The competition is highly anticipated despite Chestnut’s conspicuous absence.
Why Chestnut’s Absence?
Chestnut told Sports Illustrated that everything was fine when he entered into the deal with Impossible Foods. He affirmed this agreement was in line with his preceding contract with Nathan’s. However, the conditions unexpectedly changed. Chestnut shared with Sports Illustrated that Nathan’s drastically altered terms close to the contest date and began leaking information that he was banned, leading to complications and his eventual expulsion from the 2024 event.
Joey Chestnut and Matt Stonie Won’t Compete in 2024
In addition to Joey Chestnut, Matt Stonie, who defeated Chestnut in 2015 by eating 62 hot dogs, will also not be competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut’s outstanding performance in the contest saw him down a staggering 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021. Stonie’s withdrawal leaves space for competitors like the nine-time participant Geoffrey Esper and other hopefuls from around the globe.
Joey Chestnut Competes This Fall
Despite the unfortunate twist with Nathan’s competition, Chestnut is still looking forward to future contests. On Independence Day 2024, he will compete against four soldiers in a hot dog eating contest in Fort Bliss, Texas, according to The Associated Press.
Moreover, Chestnut anticipates facing his long-time rival, Takero Kobayashi, in a Labor Day contest. Fans eagerly await the event, as it is their first face-off since 2009. This highly anticipated showdown will air live on Netflix on September 2, 2024, under the title “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef”.
Despite the sponsorship conflict with Nathan’s, Chestnut maintains a positive attitude, highlighting that he holds no grudges against the hot dog company. He voiced his enthusiasm for possibly returning to Nathan’s Fourth of July contest in the future. As such, lovers of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest might still get to see the legendary eater back in the contest in the coming years.