- Joey Chestnut, a legendary competitive eater and 16-time Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, has been banned from the 2024 contest due to a new deal with rival brand Impossible Foods.
- Major League Eating (MLE) and Nathan’s tried to accommodate Chestnut but ultimately enforced their exclusivity provisions, which prohibit competitors from endorsing rival brands.
- Chestnut, who stated he had no contract with MLE or Nathan’s, expressed his disappointment on social media, claiming the ban was an attempt to change the rules and emphasizing his commitment to continue competing.
I will continue to boycott this competition, which I have now done for over 47 years.