Sixteen-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest winner Joey Chestnut has reportedly struck a deal with Major League Eating to return to the July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition after being banned last year.
"I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life," Chestnut wrote on his X account. "While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.
"I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!"
Last year, Nathan's said Chestnut, who won eight consecutive championships prior to the 2024 event, was banned from its annual Fourth of July contest due to his endorsement of Impossible Foods' vegan frankfurter. Patrick Bertoletti, who won the Nathan's contest in Chestnut's absence, ate 58 frankfurters and buns in 10 minutes, while Chestnut, who instead competed in the Fort Bliss July 4th Celebration, ate 57 frankfurters and buns in half the time.
"I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest," Chestnut wrote in a thread of posts shared on his X account last June. "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.
"To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they 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.
"Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!"