Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan’s for Vegan Endorsement

Joey Chestnut, the reigning hot dog eating champion, was barred from defending his title at the annual Nathan’s contest due to his endorsement deal with vegan brand Impossible Foods. In response, Chestnut hosted a separate event at Fort Bliss Army Base in El Paso, Texas, where he devoured 57 hot dogs in five minutes.

The Ban

"There’s definitely a lot of pain. There’s a bit of grief," Chestnut told USA TODAY Sports.

Major League Eating (MLE), which runs the Nathan’s contest, cited Chestnut’s partnership with Impossible Foods as a conflict of interest. The company produces plant-based hot dogs, which goes against the spirit of the competition. MLE says the ban isn't permanent, and Chestnut may return as early as 2025.

El Paso Event

At the Fort Bliss event, Chestnut bested four soldiers, consuming 57 hot dogs and buns in five minutes. The champion expressed his desire to push harder when competing against a larger group.

"I’m thinking, might as well make it five (soldiers) so I won’t get lazy,” Chestnut explained to USA TODAY Sports, "Sometimes if it looks like I’m in the lead, I slow down. I really want to push hard for all five minutes."

Records and Achievements

Chestnut holds the record for most hot dogs eaten: 76 in 10 minutes, set in 2021. In 2023, he won his 16th Nathan's Famous competition title, consuming 62 hot dogs.

While Chestnut sat out this year's Nathan’s contest, Pat Bertoletti claimed the crown, eating 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

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URLs:

• Glizzy's
• Pat Bertoletti