Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: What Does it Mean? What’s Next?

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The summer months are here, meaning the Fourth of July is right around the corner.

While Independence Day is often associated with fireworks and country-wide celebrations, it’s also the day of the annual Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The yearly spectacle pits some of the world’s best competitive eaters against each other as they mow down on hot dog after hot dog at Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn, NY.

The competition has produced various glizzy-eating legends throughout the years, including Joey Chestnut the all-time leader with 16 victories — including each of the last eight.

That’s why America was shocked when it was announced on Tuesday that Chestnut has been banned from the 2024 hot dog eating contest.

So, why was Chesnutt banned? What does it mean for the sport going forward? Let’s talk about it.

Joey Chestnut Banned from Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024

The New York Post reported on Tuesday that Nathan’s Famous has banned Joey Chestnut from the 2024 hot dog eating competition. The reason for the ban is that the 40-year-old recently signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, which has recently released plant-based hot dogs.

Impossible has made it more than clear that its competitors can partake in any hot dog-eating contest they’d like. Unfortunately, Nathan’s Famous doesn’t feel that way. Major League Eating chair and co-founder George Shea told The Washington Post that anyone taking part in the July 4 competition can’t “represent a rival hot dog brand.”

The first-ever Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest took place in 1967 and became part of the fabric of American society. The competition has featured plenty of iconic figures over the years, but none as dominant as Chestnut, who set the record with 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes back in 2021.

In fact, the California-based eater averaged 70.4 hot dogs eaten in his last eight appearances. Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t thrilled about the decision.

“I was very disappointed to learn from the media today that after nearly 20 years I am banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote on social media Tuesday night. “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.”

Chestnut went on to thank the fans for their support and that everyone will “see me eat again soon.”

What’s Next for Joey Chestnut, Nathan’s Famous Contest?

While Joey Chestnut seems to be in high spirits following his ban, don’t expect to see him in the 10-minute hot dog showdown next month. As mentioned before, Nathan’s Famous won’t allow Chestnut to compete as long as he’s under his current endorsement contract, making his participation almost impossible for the time being.

The keyword here is ‘almost.’

According to a Washington Post source, Nathan’s Famous and Chestnut have until July 4 to reach an agreement that would allow him to participate in the 2024 hot dog-eating contest. It might be a long shot, but there are still about three weeks for the sides to work things out.

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Nathan’s Famous reportedly paid Chestnut $200,000 to make his 2023 competition appearance. He was offered a four-year, $1.2 million contract to maintain his participation going forward, however, he opted to sign with Impossible at the end of the day.

Assuming that the hot dog-slamming icon doesn’t appear this year, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will see a new championship for the first time since Matt Stonie beat Chestnut by two hot dogs in 2015. Since that shocking ending, though, the competition has belonged to the latter.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds 2024

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Wednesday, June 12 at 1:48 p.m. ET. 

• Geoffrey Esper (-225)
• James Webb (+250)
• Nick Wehry (+400)
• Darron Breedon (+800)
• Matt Stonie (+1100)
• Patrick Bertoletti (+2000)
• Gideon Oji (+2500)
• Pablo Martinez (+3500)
• Berley Weaver IV (+4500)

With Chestnutt potentially out of the competition, Geoffrey Esper is Bovada’s -225 favorite to win Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Esper placed second in the 2023 contest with 49. Darron Breedon (+800) could be an interesting option as he’s finished third or better in three of the last five competitions.

As for former champions, Matt Stonie (+1100) is the only one in the field. Having said that, Stonie hasn’t finished better than fourth since 2018.

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Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest FAQ

What is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• Since 1972, some of the world’s top eaters have spent the Fourth of July at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Competitors have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible in hopes of taking home the Mustard Yellow Belt.

When is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest always takes place on July 4, which falls on a Thursday this year.

Where is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• As it does every year, the annual hot dog contest will take place at Nathan’s Famous Corporation in Brooklyn, NY.

How to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

• Although an official TV channel hasn’t been announced, last year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was viewable on ESPN3. Chances are this year’s competition will air on one of the various ESPN channels.

How to Bet on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

• Odds for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and other entertainment markets can be found on various online sportsbooks, including Bovada. Check out some of the other options that your Betting News pals trust the most:

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