Competitive Eater Joey Chestnut Will Not Participate In The 4th Of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
After tensions surrounding the 4th of July hot dog eating contest that made him famous, Joey Chestnut is preparing to face off against his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a new competition.
To catch you up to speed, news recently broke that Chesnut will not be participating in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this year. Reason being? Chesnut has partnered with a competing company, Impossible Foods.
This shocked fans of the annual 4th of July contest, which Chestnut has won 16 times. In 2021, he set a world record by eating 76 hot dogs.
While initial reports stated Chesnut was “banned” from the event, Major League Eating (MLE) has denied those claims.
Regardless, Chestnut responded to the situation and expressed regret that he won’t be able to compete in the 4th of July contest this year.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years [I’m] banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. 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 continued:
“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!“
(1/3)I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. 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.
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 11, 2024
Chestnut & Rival Takeru Kobayashi Announce Rematch 15 Years In The Making
Fans had no idea how “soon” they’d see Chesnut “eat again.” Just one day after he released his statement regarding the 4th of July contest, Netflix announced he’ll be competing in a new event.
This event will place Chesnut in a rematch against his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi.
Known as “The Godfather of Competitive Eating,” Kobayashi first competed in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2001. He ate 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes, which doubled the existing record at the time.
Kobayashi won the contest six consecutive years before he lost to Chestnut in 2007. Chesnut remained victorious for the next two years.
The last time Chesnut and Kobayashi competed against each other was in 2009. So, their upcoming reunion has been 15 years in the making.
Kobayashi announced his plans to retire from competitive eating in a Netflix documentary released earlier this year. He’s been experiencing some health issues and can “no longer feel hunger.”
However, Kobayashi doesn’t want to retire without facing off against Chesnut again.
Get All The Details About Netflix’s New Hot Dog Eating Contest
On Wednesday (June 12), Netflix announced that Chesnut and Kobayashi will compete in a new hot dog eating contest on Labor Day (September 2). Called Chestnut VS. Kobayashi: Unfished Beef, the event will air live on Netflix at a yet-to-be-announced time.
A rivalry simmering for 15 years.
CHESTNUT VS. KOBAYASHI: UNFINISHED BEEF — the ultimate hot dog eating competition — will air LIVE on Netflix, Monday, September 2. pic.twitter.com/MeVQP1lQuS
— Netflix (@netflix) June 12, 2024
“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better … It’s time to give the people what they want!“
Fans of competitive eating can’t wait to watch Chestnut and Kobayashi face off again! Learn more about their Netflix event below.