The entire idea of Joey Chestnut not competing in this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July is just un-American.
He’s a legend in the competitive food eating circuit. He’s won the annual event 16 times. Chestnut is as American as Apple Pie and the hot dogs (punny) he scarfs down in eye-opening fashion.
Unfortunately, it does not look like Chestnut will be competing this year in Coney Island. Major League Eating announced earlier in the week that Chestnut is not eligible to compete because he signed an endorsement deal with the rival Impossible Foods.
We wish this were a joke.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Major League Eating said in a statement. “MLE and Nathan’s went to great lengths in recent months to accomodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.”
Statement on Joey Chestnut being ineligible for Nathan’s Hot Dog contest
That’s just pathetic. Where do we riot? Banning an absolute legend of the “sport” because he’s attempting to make some cash on the side is all sorts of ridiculous. We should all be irate.
Related: Netflix Announces Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi Hot-Dog Eating Contest
Eric Adams To Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: ‘Stop Being Weenies’
New York City Mayor Eric Adams decided to chime in on the entire controversy through his official X account. His response was both on point and absolutely hilarious.
“Stop being such weenies! It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year’s Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut. Let’s find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island.”
Eric Adams on banning of Joey Chestnut
“Stop being such weenies.”
“Let’s find a way to squash this beef.”
Get it? Got it? Good.
We have absolutely no idea if Adams wrote this tweet himself. But it’s absolutely hilarious.
In reality, Chestnut is the man who put this eating competition on the map. Nathan’s has made countless millions on his back (or stomach). He’s suffered through bowel issues most of us could scarcely imagine. Banning him for such a ridiculous reason makes no sense.
Those who responded to Adams tweet agreed.
Finally, something to unite Americans.
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