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

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With the arrival of summer, the Fourth of July is just a stone’s throw away.

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.

Over the years, the competition has given rise to numerous glizzy-eating legends. Among them, Joey Chestnut stands out as the all-time leader with an impressive record of 16 victories. Notably, he has emerged victorious in the last eight consecutive competitions.

The announcement on Tuesday that Chestnut has been barred from the 2024 hot dog eating competition left America in a state of shock.

Why was Chesnutt banned and what implications does it hold for the future of the sport? Let’s delve into this topic and discuss 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.”

In 1967, the inaugural Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest marked its debut and swiftly became an integral part of American culture. Throughout its history, the competition has showcased numerous legendary personalities, yet none have exhibited as unparalleled dominance as Chestnut. In the year 2021, Chestnut astoundingly devoured a record-breaking 76 hot dogs within a mere 10 minutes, etching his name in the annals of this celebrated event.

The truth is, the eater from California consumed an average of 70.4 hot dogs in his previous eight showings. It comes as no surprise that he was not pleased with the ruling.

“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 expressed gratitude towards the fans for their support and assured them that they will witness his triumphant return to the eating arena in the near future.

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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According to reports, Nathan’s Famous allegedly compensated Chestnut with a sum of $200,000 for his upcoming appearance in the 2023 competition. In addition, he received an offer of a four-year contract worth $1.2 million to continue participating in the future. However, Chestnut ultimately chose to sign with Impossible at the end of the day.

If the hot dog-slamming icon fails to make an appearance this year, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will witness a new champion for the first time since Matt Stonie defeated Chestnut by a margin of two hot dogs in 2015. However, following that astounding finale, Chestnut has reigned supreme in the competition ever since.

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)

Geoffrey Esper is currently Bovada’s top pick to win the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at odds of -225, given the potential absence of Chestnutt. Esper had a strong showing in the 2023 contest, securing second place with a score of 49. Another intriguing option is Darron Breedon (+800), who has consistently placed third or higher in three out of the past five competitions.

In terms of previous champions, the only one competing is Matt Stonie (+1100). However, it is worth noting that Stonie has not achieved a placement higher than fourth since 2018.

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Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest FAQ

What is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been attracting top eaters from around the world since 1972. Participants strive to consume as many hot dogs as they can within a 10-minute time frame, all with the goal of winning the prestigious Mustard Yellow Belt.

When is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• This year, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will occur on July 4, coinciding with a Thursday.

Where is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?

• The annual hot dog contest will be held at Nathan’s Famous Corporation in Brooklyn, NY, just like it does every year.

How to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

• Last year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was available for viewing on ESPN3, although no official TV channel has been announced. It is likely that this year’s competition will be broadcasted on one of the different 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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