Champ Joey Chestnut Banned From Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Amid Beef Over Sponsorship

Tom Tapp

11 June 2024 at 4:24 pm·2-min read

Sixteen-time champion Joey Chestnut has been banned from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in a beef over sponsorship. It seems the folks at Major League Eating, which oversees the contest, didn’t think his reported deal with Impossible Foods was kosher.

“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” MLE said in a statement.

More from Deadline

Chestnut has won the coveted Mustard Belt — handed out to the person who eats the most hot dogs each July 4 — for eight years running and in 16 of the past 17 years. The only break in his reign came in 2015, when Matt Stonie took the title.

Not having Chestnut at this year’s event would be a big blow. He ate 62 hot dogs and buns at last year’s event. The runner-up only got to 49. It sounds like the powers that be understand this.

“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,” the statement continues. “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.”

Chestnut makes an estimated $250,000 to $500,000 per year in competitive eating challenges and via sponsorship deals. He also has his own line of condiments for hot dogs, brats, sausages, wings and sandwiches.

ESPN platforms have aired the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest since 2004. In 2022, ESPN signed a new deal with the International Federation of Competitive Eating to continue the broadcast partnership through 2029. In 2023, the men’s competition aired on ESPN2 and streamed on the ESPN app.

Best of Deadline

Country Living
24 Great Family Dogs That Don't Shed (Very Much)
If you have allergies, these are the puppies for you! These hypoallergenic dog breeds are great family pets if shedding is a concern.
People
Here's What Neptune Retrograde Means for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Neptune will spin into Pisces on July 2 and last until Dec. 7.
HuffPost
Dog Saved From Shipping Container Dies; 8 Puppies Will Live 'Life She Missed Out On'
"If love could have saved you, you’d still be with us, sweet girl," wrote Forever Changed Animal Rescue after the death of Connie, nicknamed "the container dog."
Yahoo Life Shopping
This 'great space saver' for the home is just $24 at Amazon — that's over 50% off
'Fits so much,' said one of nearly 4,000 five-star Amazon shoppers.
USA TODAY
Mega Millions winning numbers for June 28 drawing: Jackpot rises to $137 million
Mega Millions players, are you feeling lucky? The winning numbers are in for the June 28 drawing.
BBC
Shots fired at XL bully in street after woman attacked
The dog was "destroyed at the scene as the last possible option", police say.
MoneySmart
MoneySmart x HSBC Credit Card Lucky Draw Winners 2024
Thank you for participating in our lucky draw. Congratulations to our winners! 11 December 2023 – 4 January 2024 Prize Winners Rolex Submariner Steel ref:124060 Kian Lin Ong Apple 15-inch... The post MoneySmart x HSBC Credit Card Lucky Draw Winners 2024 appeared first on MoneySmart Blog.
Yahoo Life Shopping
Move over, Prime Day: Walmart is having its largest sale event ever and you can shop early deals now
Walmart's summer savings extravaganza runs from July 8 to July 11 with discounts on everything from vacs to smart TVs.
KameraOne
Battle of the wits: Sneaky squirrel outsmarts pup in hilarious backyard chase
A clever squirrel skillfully stays out of sight of a curious dog in an unexpected backyard showdown on June 18. The agile maneuvers of the squirrel leave the dog hilariously puzzled.
HowStuffWorks
14 Wild Animals That Start With 'U' (Aside From the Utahraptor)
Animal names are a simple way to categorize the diverse species of the animal kingdom. Animals that start with "U" can be some of the most fascinating in our planet's elaborate biological patchwork.
Yahoo Canada Style
30+ early Amazon Prime Day deals you can't miss this long weekend — save up to 69% on Dyson, Samsung & more
Prime Day is a few weeks away, but you can already save on home, tech and so much more.
Yahoo Life Shopping
'Most comfortable bra I own': This cooling wonder from Playtex is nearly 60% off
No wires, no seams — just chilled-out comfort, thanks to cushioned straps and a support system that lifts, shapes and smooths.
The Conversation
Every dog has its day, but it’s not the Fourth of July
Millions of Americans love the fireworks on July 4, but millions of dogs will tremble in fear. A vet explains the causes and solutions to this doggie dilemma.
People
Halle Berry Is a Catwoman Again! Meet the Oscar Winner's Two New Rescue Kittens
The actress welcomed cats Boots and Coco to her family after finding the kittens in her yard
Washington Post
Pets can suffer from car sickness. Here’s how to help your dog or cat.
Raylan, my late shepherd mix, had a problem with car rides. He’d hop into the back seat, excited for a new adventure, but could last only about 15 minutes before standing up, drooling and retching. Within seconds, he would vomit. On long trips, there could be as many as a half-dozen such episodes. I tried everything: a medication prescribed by my veterinarian specifically for dogs with motion sickness, over-the-counter antihistamines, a human nausea drug usually given to patients undergoing chem
People
Man Arrested, Elderly Woman Injured After 40 Feral Wolf-Dogs Are Found in North Carolina Home
Deputies found the residence "uninhabitable for people and dogs," the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said in a release
People
Rescue Dog So Emaciated That He Was 'Literally a Skeleton' Finds Home with a Vet Who Helped Him (Exclusive)
One Tail at a Time rescue in Chicago helped Sugar Snap get emergency medical care at Premier Veterinary Group, where he met his future owner, Becky Ritchie
The Telegraph
Woman arrested after prison officer filmed allegedly having sex with inmate
A woman has been arrested after footage was widely circulated that appeared to show a prison officer having sex with an inmate.
People
Tom Cruise and Son Connor Spend Time Together in London During Rare Outing
The actor is a father to three children
Hello!
Elizabeth Hurley, 59, is a goddess in tiny string bikini
Elizabeth Hurley showed off her incredible physique in a yellow string bikini as she posed for Instagram – and the Gossip Girl actress, 59, looked better than ever. See photos.

Latest stories