After nearly 15 years of dominance, Joey Chestnut was shockingly disqualified from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for an endorsement deal violation, allowing newcomers Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo to be crowned as surprise mustard belt winners.
The legendary Joey “Jaws” Chestnut was barred from Nathan’s annual July 4th hot dog eating competition for promoting plant-based meats like Impossible Foods, opening the door for first-time champions Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo to each gobble over 50 franks and make history.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Sees Surprise Winner After Joey Chestnut Gets Disqualified
The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th is one of America’s most beloved and outrageous Independence Day traditions, almost as iconic as fireworks and grilling burgers. But this year saw major drama and shakeups behind the scenes of the hot dog eating world.
For over a decade, the contest has been utterly dominated by one man – Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. The legendary competitive eater has gobbled his way to a jaw-dropping 15 Mustard Yellow Belts and eating world records across many wacky categories from eggs to apple pies.
However, in a shocking twist just weeks before the 2024 contest, Chestnut was disqualified and banned by Major League Eating (MLE) – the regulatory body overseeing all professional eating competitions.
Jeenah Moon | Reuters
Why Did Competitive Eating’s Biggest Star Get Banned?
For years, Nathan’s Famous and MLE have had strict rules about exclusive sponsorships and endorsements for contest participants. In particular, eaters cannot promote or associate with any brands considered rivals of official event sponsor Nathan’s hot dogs.
However, MLE alleged that Chestnut violated this stipulation by inking recent deals with plant-based meat alternative companies like Impossible Foods to promote their veggie burgers and sausages.
While Chestnut insisted he didn’t actually have an active contract or partnership with MLE or Nathan’s, the damage was already done. In the highly serious and regimented world of professional eating, even a whiff of divided loyalty cannot stand.
“We would love to see Joey make a triumphant return in the future under our open arms when he is not contracted with a competing hot dog brand,” said Sam Barclay, Vice President of MLE.
New Champions Crowned in Chestnut’s Absence
So on July 4th, 2024, the stage was set for a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest without its biggest star. Who would claim the Mustard Yellow Belt and etch their names into frankfurter-eating history?
In the men’s division, relative newcomer Patrick Bertoletti pulled off the upset victory. The 39-year-old housing inspector from Chicago showed relentless determination and stomach capacity. Bertoletti smashed his previous personal best by consuming 58 hot dogs – still shy of Chestnut’s record of 76 but impressive nonetheless.
“I can’t believe I won!” exclaimed an elated Bertoletti. “I’ve been training for this my whole life by drinking a gallon of milk in under 20 seconds! You should see my spleen – it looks like a weathered old catcher’s mitt! But hey, now I’m the wiener!”
Meanwhile in the women’s category, perennial powerhouse Miki Sudo coasted to her 7th straight Mustard Belt with an epic performance for the ages. The 37-year-old ate a mind-boggling 51 hot dogs, surpassing her own previous record by nearly 10 franks.
After myriad grueling training involving eating over 4 pounds of cookies in one sitting, her years of hard work finally paid off with historic results. Truly impressive stuff!
Joey Chestnut Hosts Rival Hot Dog Contest for Charity
Ever the showman, Chestnut refused to stay out of the spotlight on Independence Day. Exiled from the Nathan’s contest, he hosted his own competitive eating event simultaneously from a nearby army base.
In partnership with the military support charity Stack Up, the whole spectacle was livestreamed on Chestnut’s Instagram and YouTube accounts. Clad in army fatigues, he stomached over 40 hot dogs alongside various servicemen and women.
“While I’m gutted not to be at Coney Island today, the 4th wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t celebrating by eating a whole lot of delicious all-beef franks,” he said during the broadcast. “Maybe next year I’ll be back to reclaim my belt and title as the undisputed Sultan of Smashed Sausage!”
His defiant online event allowed Chestnut to interact directly with scores of loyal fans. Supporters flooded social media with messages imploring Nathan’s and MLE to lift Chestnut’s ban for 2025.
For now though, new champions Bertoletti and Sudo will bask in mustard-stained glory. But the competitive eating world will keenly watch whether its long-time figurehead can eventually return or if upstarts will usher in an unfamiliar new era.
The Future of Competitive Eating Without Joey Chestnut
While Bertoletti and Sudo’s breakthrough wins underscore the rise of new talent in the sport, there’s no denying Chestnut has towered over competitive eating for years.
In fact, ever since dethroning 6-time champion Takeru Kobayashi in 2007, Chestnut has utterly dominated Nathan’s and countless eating events across over 50 different food categories. His name recognition and stardom brought new legitimacy and appeal to the niche sport.
Some fear interest and sponsorship dollars could diminish without Chestnut as competitive eating’s banner superstar. Meanwhile, others assert the spectacle itself remains the main attraction rather than any single individual.
“While Joey provided many memorable moments, the colorful pageantry and excitement of gorge fests like Nathan’s on July 4th should withstand the test of time,” asserts MLE President Ryan Nerz. “Fans will surely continue flocking to see ordinary Joes and Janes push the outer limits of human stomach capacity!
Ultimately, the world of competitive eating remains ripe for new storylines. Perhaps Bertoletti, Sudo or another rising challenger can sustain momentum and popularity. If not, the door seems open for Chestnut’s potential reinstatement if sponsorship issues get resolved.
For now, hot dog heavies and belly bulge aficionados everywhere must impatiently await 2025’s edition of the Nathan’s contest to see what surprises may unfold!
Kent J. Edwards | Reuters
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Sees Surprise Winner After Joey Chestnut Gets Disqualified
The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th is one of America’s most beloved and outrageous Independence Day traditions, almost as iconic as fireworks and grilling burgers. But this year saw major drama and shakeups behind the scenes of the hot dog eating world.
For over a decade, the contest has been utterly dominated by one man – Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. The legendary competitive eater has gobbled his way to a jaw-dropping 15 Mustard Yellow Belts and eating world records across many wacky categories from eggs to apple pies.
However, in a shocking twist just weeks before the 2024 contest, Chestnut was disqualified and banned by Major League Eating (MLE) – the regulatory body overseeing all professional eating competitions.
Why Did Competitive Eating’s Biggest Star Get Banned?
For years, Nathan’s Famous and MLE have had strict rules about exclusive sponsorships and endorsements for contest participants. In particular, eaters cannot promote or associate with any brands considered rivals of official event sponsor Nathan’s hot dogs.
However, MLE alleged that Chestnut violated this stipulation by inking recent deals with plant-based meat alternative companies like Impossible Foods to promote their veggie burgers and sausages.
While Chestnut insisted he didn’t actually have an active contract or partnership with MLE or Nathan’s, the damage was already done. In the highly serious and regimented world of professional eating, even a whiff of divided loyalty cannot stand.
“We would love to see Joey make a triumphant return in the future under our open arms when he is not contracted with a competing hot dog brand,” said Sam Barclay, Vice President of MLE.
New Champions Crowned in Chestnut’s Absence
So on July 4th, 2024, the stage was set for a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest without its biggest star. Who would claim the Mustard Yellow Belt and etch their names into frankfurter-eating history?
In the men’s division, relative newcomer Patrick Bertoletti pulled off the upset victory. The 39-year-old housing inspector from Chicago showed relentless determination and stomach capacity. Bertoletti smashed his previous personal best by consuming 58 hot dogs – still shy of Chestnut’s record of 76 but impressive nonetheless.
“I can’t believe I won!” exclaimed an elated Bertoletti. “I’ve been training for this my whole life by drinking a gallon of milk in under 20 seconds! You should see my spleen – it looks like a weathered old catcher’s mitt! But hey, now I’m the wiener!”
Meanwhile in the women’s category, perennial powerhouse Miki Sudo coasted to her 7th straight Mustard Belt with an epic performance for the ages. The 37-year-old ate a mind-boggling 51 hot dogs, surpassing her own previous record by nearly 10 franks.
After myriad grueling training involving eating over 4 pounds of cookies in one sitting, her years of hard work finally paid off with historic results. Truly impressive stuff!
Joey Chestnut Hosts Rival Hot Dog Contest for Charity
Ever the showman, Chestnut refused to stay out of the spotlight on Independence Day. Exiled from the Nathan’s contest, he hosted his own competitive eating event simultaneously from a nearby army base.
In partnership with the military support charity Stack Up, the whole spectacle was livestreamed on Chestnut’s Instagram and YouTube accounts. Clad in army fatigues, he stomached over 40 hot dogs alongside various servicemen and women.
“While I’m gutted not to be at Coney Island today, the 4th wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t celebrating by eating a whole lot of delicious all-beef franks,” he said during the broadcast. “Maybe next year I’ll be back to reclaim my belt and title as the undisputed Sultan of Smashed Sausage!”
His defiant online event allowed Chestnut to interact directly with scores of loyal fans. Supporters flooded social media with messages imploring Nathan’s and MLE to lift Chestnut’s ban for 2025.
For now though, new champions Bertoletti and Sudo will bask in mustard-stained glory. But the competitive eating world will keenly watch whether its long-time figurehead can eventually return or if upstarts will usher in an unfamiliar new era.
The Future of Competitive Eating Without Joey Chestnut
While Bertoletti and Sudo’s breakthrough wins underscore the rise of new talent in the sport, there’s no denying Chestnut has towered over competitive eating for years.
In fact, ever since dethroning 6-time champion Takeru Kobayashi in 2007, Chestnut has utterly dominated Nathan’s and countless eating events across over 50 different food categories. His name recognition and stardom brought new legitimacy and appeal to the niche sport.
Some fear interest and sponsorship dollars could diminish without Chestnut as competitive eating’s banner superstar. Meanwhile, others assert the spectacle itself remains the main attraction rather than any single individual.
“While Joey provided many memorable moments, the colorful pageantry and excitement of gorge fests like Nathan’s on July 4th should withstand the test of time,” asserts MLE President Ryan Nerz. “Fans will surely continue flocking to see ordinary Joes and Janes push the outer limits of human stomach capacity!
Ultimately, the world of competitive eating remains ripe for new storylines. Perhaps Bertoletti, Sudo or another rising challenger can sustain momentum and popularity. If not, the door seems open for Chestnut’s potential reinstatement if sponsorship issues get resolved.
For now, hot dog heavies and belly bulge aficionados everywhere must impatiently await 2025’s edition of the Nathan’s contest to see what surprises may unfold!
Let us know your thoughts on Chestnut’s ban and the new champions in the comments! Be sure to share this crazy hot dog eating drama with your friends as well.
