16-time champion Joey Chestnut has been banned from the world-famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest later this year.
According to the Major League Eating, the organisation that oversees professional competitive eating events, Chestnut will not be able to compete in 2024's contest over his decision to endorse vegan hot dogs over Nathan's.
"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.
Chestnut, who holds the current world record for eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2021, recently began endorsing Impossible brand, a popular supplier of vegan hot dogs, burgers and sausages.
Nathan's requires eaters not to endorse any rival brand if they are going to compete in the country's most famous eating contest.
"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," Major League Eating continued in a statement.
Major League Eating said it will still take back the hot dog-eating champ and 'American hero' if he drops his other endorsement deal.
"Joey Chestnut is an American hero, 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."
Chestnut was paid $200,000 USD to appear in last year's Nathan's contest.
