Joey Chestnut makes deal to return to hot dog eating contest after being banned
'This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.'
Article content
America’s long national nightmare is over and the top dog will be back for his hotdog throne.
Competitive-eating superstar Joey Chestnut has reached an agreement to return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition this year after being banned from the event in 2024.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Joey Chestnut makes deal to return to hot dog eating contest after being banned Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
The 16-time champion was forced to miss last year’s July 4 tradition after getting into a dispute with Major League Eating over a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods.
But after at least a week of talks, the two sides have reached an agreement that will see Jaws return to the event this year on Coney Island, N.Y.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” Chestnut wrote in a post on social media on Monday.
The dispute between MLE and Chestnut arose from a deal that the American signed with Impossible Foods, which was launching a plant-based, meatless hot dog product.
“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with,” Chestnut said.
“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”
Patrick Bertoletti won last year’s event in Chestnut’s absence, eating 58 dogs and buns to take the Mustard Belt.
He’ll be in tough to take down the GOAT of competitive eating — Chestnut hasn’t eaten fewer than 60 hot dogs at the event since 2010 and holds the record with 76 in 2021.
“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” MLE chair George Shea said in a statement. “We look forward to watching the greatest eaters as they compete on a celebrated platform for international sports.”
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.