Joey Chestnut Banned from 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Over Impossible Foods Deal

Jun 11, 2024, 06:07 PM

Joey Chestnut, the 16-time winner of Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, has been banned from the 2024 event. Major League Eating announced the decision after Chestnut signed a four-year, $1.2 million endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a vegan food company. This sponsorship deal conflicts with Nathan's, leading to his exclusion. Last year, Chestnut received a $200,000 appearance fee for participating in the contest. Chestnut has won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year since 2016.