In a surprising turn of events, competitive eater Joey Chestnut has been banned from participating in this year’s edition of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition. Having reigned supreme in the contest a total of 16 times, the Major League Eating (MLE) World Number 1 is set to miss the hot dog extravaganza for the first time since 2005. But how did Joey Chestnut land in such a messy controversy in the first place?
Here is a complete breakdown of Chestnut’s ban from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.
Why did Joey Chestnut get banned from the hot dog eating contest?
According to the New York Post, Joey Chestnut has been ousted from the contest due to his decision to sign with a rival hot dog brand, Impossible Foods.
Chestnut is a certified veteran of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition, having won every edition since 2007, barring 2015. Nevertheless, he has been banned from the next contest due to his recent association with Impossible Foods. The brand is known for producing plant-based substitutes for meat products and recently launched a vegetarian frankfurter alternative.
An MLE representative has revealed that the organization stretched its norms to comply with Chestnut’s extensive demands. They even gave him permission to participate in a rival Labor Day eating contest, with a prerequisite that no hot dog brand be mentioned. According to The Post, Nathan’s even offered the 40-year-old eating specialist a four-year contract worth $1.2 million. However, the officials decided to distance themselves from Chestnut after he struck a deal with a different hot dog brand.
Did Joey Chestnut cheat?
Despite the controversy surrounding it, Joey Chestnut’s ban from Nathan’s annual July 4th competition has nothing to do with cheating. The seasoned eater has been expelled only due to his affiliation with a rival brand.
However, a source has claimed that there is still room for the two entities to come to an understanding. With the competition still a few weeks away, fans of the contest are hoping for Chestnut to reverse his decision.
