The world’s greatest eater won’t be able to compete in the world’s greatest eating event. Joey Chestnut, a 16-time champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, is unable to participate in the July 4 event after signing with another hot dog brand, according to Major League Eating.
However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.” The 40-year-old is the eight-time defending champion of the event. Last year, he won with 62 hot dogs and buns consumed over a 10-minute period. His record is 76 from 2021. Chestnut was put on the map in 2007 when he upset longtime titleholder Takeru Kobayashi of Japan. Kobayashi had won five in a row to that point.