Joey Chestnut to Skip Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Major League Eating announced that Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, will not be participating in this year’s event. The decision comes as Chestnut has chosen to represent a different hot dog brand, leading to his exclusion from the annual Fourth of July competition held at Coney Island.
Chestnut’s Sponsorship Deal
Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” secured a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company specializing in plant-based hot dogs. This agreement clashed with his participation in the Nathan’s Famous event, ultimately resulting in his absence this year. According to reports, Chestnut’s deal with Impossible Foods led to his withdrawal from the competition.
Moving on from Nathan’s Famous
George Shea, the event organizer at MLE, compared Chestnut’s situation to a hypothetical scenario involving Michael Jordan endorsing a rival brand. The decision to represent a different hot dog company thwarted Chestnut’s chance to defend his title at the famous hot dog eating contest.
Reaction from Major League Eating
In light of Chestnut’s decision, Major League Eating expressed disappointment, emphasizing the effort put into accommodating Chestnut’s requirements. Despite their history of working together, Chestnut opted to prioritize his partnership with a competing hot dog brand over his long-standing relationship with Nathan’s Famous.
MLE’s Statement
Major League Eating expressed their disappointment by stating that Joey Chestnut’s decision to represent a rival hot dog brand was a setback for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Despite their efforts to reach a compromise, Chestnut and his management team prioritized their new partnership over the long-standing relationship with Nathan’s.
Chestnut’s Legacy
As a dominant figure in competitive eating, Joey Chestnut holds the top 10 performances at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. With a record of 76 hot dogs and buns eaten in 2021, Chestnut continues to be a formidable force in the world of competitive eating.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” MLE’s statement read. “We would love to welcome him back to the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the future, once he is no longer representing a competing brand.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read More of this Story at www.espn.com – 2024-06-11 20:39:00
Read More Latest News
