The Fourth of July is synonymous with pool time, fireworks, and devouring hot dogs. But beyond indulging in these traditions lies the spectacle of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, an annual event held at Coney Island in New York City. This contest isn’t just a local affair; it draws fans from all boroughs and across the nation, broadcasted live on ESPN, making it a quintessential part of American culture — albeit a rather stomach-churning one.
At the center of this gluttonous tradition stands Joey Chestnut, a record-setting champion with 16 wins under his belt. His ability to consume hot dogs at an astonishing rate has made him something of an American icon. However, Chestnut’s reign faces an unexpected halt in 2024 due to a controversial decision that effectively bars him from the competition.
The beef between Chestnut and Nathan’s centers on one of the juiciest controversies in the history of the contest.
So, where is Joey Chestnut?
In June, Joey Chestnut made headlines by signing a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company renowned for its plant-based meat alternatives aimed at transforming the food industry away from animal products. This move, however, put him at odds with Major League Eating (MLE), the organization behind the iconic Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
MLE has a longstanding rule prohibiting competitors from endorsing rival products, effectively barring Chestnut from participating in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. The decision was met with disappointment from Chestnut, who expressed feeling “gutted” by the ban and disputed any suggestion that he had turned vegan.
“They changed a lot of terms,” Chestnut explained in an interview with Sports Illustrated, “and then they escalated things to a degree they didn’t imagine when they started leaking information and telling people I was banned.”
With tensions rising between Chestnut and MLE, the outcome was clear: the record-breaking hot dog eater would not defend his title at the prestigious event he had dominated for years.
Instead, on Independence Day, Chestnut opted to compete in a different setting, choosing to participate in the Fort Bliss Pop Goes the Fort celebration at Fort Bliss, Texas. This event, held in partnership with the U.S. Army base, featured a unique four-against-one competition with a shortened time limit of five minutes—half the duration of the Nathan’s contest. The aim was not only to entertain but also to raise funds for military families, a cause close to Chestnut’s heart.
“This is his first opportunity to spend time with active-duty troops,” remarked Lora Diem, special events coordinator at Fort Bliss’ MWR, highlighting the significance of Chestnut’s decision to celebrate Independence Day with those who serve.
Scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. ET at Briggs Park, the event was broadcast live on Chestnut’s YouTube channel, offering fans a different but still exciting way to mark the holiday alongside one of America’s most celebrated competitive eaters.
