Joey Chestnut Is Banned From the 4th of July Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest [Video]

There are a handful of athletes who have undeniably dominated their individual sports. Golfer Tiger Woods won 15 major tournaments and a staggering 82 PGA Tour events. Tennis player Serena Williams is the only player in history to have won a career “Golden Slam” in both singles and doubles. And competitive eater Joey Chestnut has chewed and digested his way through 16 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contests, including a winning streak that stretches back to 2016. 

But this July 4, a new champion will be handed the Mustard Belt — because Chestnut has been banned from entering this year’s competition. The reason? He’s agreed to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods and their plant-based hot dogs. 

“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Major League Eating (MLE), the event’s governing body, said in a statement. 

“MLE …