Joey Chestnut 'Gutted' to Learn He's Banned from 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The competitive eating world was dealt shocking news Tuesday when Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post reported Joey Chestnut was banned from competing in the annual July 4 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition because of his deal with Impossible Foods, and the 16-time champion of the event said he was "gutted" when he heard.

Chestnut took to social media Tuesday to express his disappointment while also explaining what happened from his point of view:

Chestnut is synonymous with the competition at this point as a 16-time champion who has taken home the title every year since 2016. He set the record in 2021 by eating 76 hot dogs and buns and defended his crown last year by eating 62 hot dogs and buns.

He said he was "training to defend my title" in his social-media posts.

Cuozzo cited a representative of Major League Eating (MLE)—which is sanctioned by Nathan's to run the event—who said the organization "bent over backwards to meet Chestnut's various demands."

One of those sacrifices on MLE's part was allowing the 16-time champion to participate in a rival Labor Day dog-eating fest as long as no specific hot dog brand was mentioned.

However, partnering with Impossible Foods, which has a vegan hot dog made from plants, was a step too far even though Chestnut was offered a four-year, $1.2 million contract from Nathan's.

"He's the Michael Jordan of competitive eating," the source told Cuozzo. "But imagine if Michael Jordan said to Nike, 'I love being the face of Nike but I want to do commercials for Adidas too."

It should be noted, though, that MLE said it would be willing to invite Chestnut back to compete if he is not partnered with a rival.

"Joey Chestnut is an American hero," the organization said. "We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."