Everything you need to know about Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024

The 2024 competition was thrown wide open following the announcement that icon Joey Chestnut would not compete for the first time in 19 years. It was originally reported that the longtime champion and record-holder was removed from the race due to his recent partnership with vegan meat brand Impossible Foods. Major League Eating explained, according to NPR, that Chestnut “chose to represent a rival brand” rather than compete in this year’s competition. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Chestnut shared his own take on things. “To be clear: I have no contract with MLE or Nathans and they want to change the rules of previous years regarding other partners I can work with,” he wrote, in part. “That is apparently the basis on which I am being banned.”

However, in a statement to Tasting Table, the organization clarified: “Joey has not been banned, he is the greatest contestant of all time and we hope he decides to compete in this year’s competition.” But that’s a no-go. Chestnut later claimed to AP that he felt “bullied” by the MLE and said: “If I ever work with them again, they need to apologize.”

While Independence Day may look different this year without Chestnut’s imposing presence, fans can still see him in action, as he plans to once again face off against rival Takeru Kobayashi in a Labor Day hot dog eating contest. The event, titled “Unfinished Beef,” will stream live on Netflix.