Hold onto your buns, folks! The world of competitive eating has been thrown into a whirlwind of drama, juicier than a freshly grilled sausage. Joey Chestnut, the beloved 16-time Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champ, has been given the boot from this year’s event. The crime? Partnering with Impossible Foods, a rival pushing plant-based franks. Yes, really.
Joey Chestnut didn’t mince words on Twitter:
> “I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I’m banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.”
> “To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th event.”
> “Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
Major League Eating’s Hot Take
Major League Eating (MLE) had their own spicy response, expressing their “devastation” over Chestnut’s decision to represent a plant-based rival. They pointed out all the concessions they’d made for him, including allowing him to munch away at a rival hot dog contest on Labor Day. But apparently, Joey’s new veggie alliance was a bite too far.
The Reigning Hot Dog Hero
Let’s not forget Joey Chestnut isn’t just any glizzy gobbler. He’s the undisputed king of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, with a staggering 16 championships and a world record of 76 hot dogs (including the buns), consumed in 2021. That’s a lot of dogs, folks. His absence this year is going to leave a bun-sized hole in the hearts of many.
A Future Without the King of Wieners?
Despite this meatless kerfuffle, Chestnut is keeping his spirits high. He assured his fans that he was not done eating yet. “Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!!” he promised.
The Mustard on the Bun
What’s next for the world of competitive eating? Will Nathan and MLE see the error of their ways and welcome Joey back with open buns? Or will Chestnut continue his plant-based journey to new and exciting culinary competitions? Only time will tell.
