Reigning competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut claims he was banned from the legendary Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after securing a deal with a rival food brand.
Chestnut, 40, said on X Tuesday he was "gutted" over the decision made by Nathan's and Major League Eating after claiming 16 Mustard Yellow Belts in the iconic Fourth of July competition over the past 19 years on Coney Island.
Last year, Chestnut downed 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
"I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title," he wrote, clarifying he doesn't have a contract with MLE or Nathan's, who he alleges are "looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with.This is apparently the basis on which I'm being banned, and it doesn't impact the July 4th event."
Chestnut said the move "will deprive the great fans of the holiday's usual joy and entertainment," but reassured "that you'll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!"
The decision for Nathan's and MLE to cut ties with the hot dog eating champ comes after he inked a deal with Impossible Foods -– a company that makes plant-based meat alternatives.
A spokesperson for MLE said the organizers were "devastated" by Chestnut's decision to work with the vegan brand.
"MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths in recent months to accommodate 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," a statement read.
"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship."
Chestnut made $200,000 off of last year's July 4 appearance and was in talks to sign a $1.2 million, four-year contract with the competition, according to the New York Post.
"Joey Chestnut is an American hero," the MLE said. "We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."
