The world’s greatest eater won’t be equipped to contend in the world’s best having party.
Joey Chestnut, a 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Very hot Pet dog Eating Contest, is not able to participate in the July 4 occasion immediately after signing with a further warm puppy brand name, in accordance to Key League Having.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has selected to symbolize a rival manufacturer that sells plant-based very hot dogs relatively than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Well-known Fourth of July Warm Doggy Eating Contest,” a statement stated. “MLE and Nathan’s went to excellent lengths in current months to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the visual appearance fee and letting Joey to compete in a rival unbranded very hot pet dog having contest on Labor Working day.
“For just about two a long time we have labored under the similar essential scorching pet exclusivity provisions. Nevertheless, it would seem that Joey and his administrators have prioritized a new partnership with a distinctive hot dog brand name more than our very long-time partnership.”
Asked if Chestnut was banned from the event, Richard Shea of Big League taking in explained no.
“There is no ban,” he told NBC News. “Significant League Having would like him there. The fans want him there. Nathan’s would like him there.”
The 40-12 months-outdated is the eight-time defending winner of the occasion. Final year, he gained with 62 warm canine and buns eaten about a 10-moment time period. His record is 76 from 2021.
Chestnut was place on the map in 2007 when he upset longtime titleholder Takeru Kobayashi of Japan. Kobayashi experienced gained 6 in a row to that point.
According to the MLE, Chestnut holds information in 55 classes like eggs, pulled pork sandwiches, rooster wings, apple pies, pierogis and gyros.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero,” Big League Feeding on reported. “We would really like almost nothing much more than to have him at the Nathan’s Well known International Incredibly hot Pet Having Contest, which he has dominated for several years. We hope that he returns when he is not symbolizing a rival brand name.”