Joey Chestnut, the reigning dynastic champion of the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest, will not be participating in this year’s competition as he has signed a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods. This decision has left many fans and the Major League Eating organization devastated, as Chestnut has won the coveted “Mustard Yellow Belt” 16 times and set a world record by consuming 76 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes in 2021. Throughout his career, Chestnut has earned significant sums of money through competitive eating, especially hot dogs.
Although efforts were made by MLE co-founder George Shea to accommodate Chestnut’s desires, such as allowing him to compete in a rival unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day, the organization ultimately could not allow Chestnut to represent a rival brand in the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest. According to Shea, it is a long-standing rule within the organization not to endorse or represent a competing brand, as exemplified by the analogy of Michael Jordan not being able to promote Adidas shoes while affiliated with Nike.
Despite Chestnut’s exclusion from this year’s contest, the MLE has emphasized that he is not permanently banned from competing and that they would welcome his return once he renounces any deals with brands that compete with Nathan’s. The organization praised Chestnut as an “American hero” and expressed its desire to see him return to the competition that he has dominated for years. This is not the first time Nathan’s has faced disputes with its champions, as evidenced by former champion Takeru Kobayashi’s absence from the 2010 contest due to contractual disagreements.
In response to Chestnut’s decision to partner with Impossible Foods, a spokesperson for the plant-based food company expressed their support for him and encouraged experimentation with new food options. The spokesperson emphasized that meat eaters should not be restricted to only one type of hot dog, highlighting the need for variety and choice in the food industry. Despite attempts to reach out to Joey Chestnut, Nathan’s, and its parent company Smithfield Foods for comment, no responses were received.
Overall, Joey Chestnut’s absence from the upcoming Nathan’s hot dog eating contest has sparked controversy within the competitive eating community. While his decision to partner with Impossible Foods has disappointed fans and the MLE organization, it also highlights the evolving landscape of food preferences and options in today’s society. As the debate surrounding plant-based versus traditional meat products continues, it remains to be seen whether Chestnut will renounce his deal with Impossible Foods and make a triumphant return to the hot dog eating contest that has defined his career.
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