Dog fight! Joey Chestnut 'gutted' to be out of July 4 hot dog eating contest over brand dispute

By Associated Press

Published: June 12, 2024 at 10:21 AM

chestnut winsJoey Chestnut celebrates after winning his 16th championship title during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the Coney Island section of the Brooklyn borough of New York, Tuesday, July. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

NEW YORK - Organizers of America's perennial July Fourth hot dog eating contest say the reigning champion won't compete this year due to a contract dispute.

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut has been competing since 2005 and hasn't lost since 2015.

At last year's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, he downed 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 04: Joey Chestnut (C) and Matt Stonie (R) compete in the 2017 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut was declared the winner for this 10th title overall after eating 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes. The contest in Coney Island is in it's 101th year. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)Joey Chestnut and Matt Stonie compete in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest July 4, 2017. Chestnut was declared the winner for this 10th after eating 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

Organizers said Tuesday that the 40-year-old struck a deal with a competing brand.

That's a red line for the Nathan's-sponsored event.

Chestnut fired back on social media Tuesday night, saying the event organizers changed the rules telling his fans: "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