After all, there may still be hope that Joey Chestnut will take to the stage at Nathan’s Famous’ annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on July 4th.
Earlier this week, The Washington Post first reported that the famous hot dog lover had been barred from attending this year’s event due to a contract dispute related to representing another hot dog brand.
But Chestnut said he was “very hopeful” that some kind of agreement could be reached between him and Major League Eating, which sanctions the traditional Fourth of July event, that would allow him to compete.
“I’m very hopeful that things can be resolved.” Chesnutt told On3. “If we can work something out, I’m ready. I have a hungry mind,” he said in his first interview since the news broke.
Chestnut spoke to the media while attending a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The 16-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion said he had “no regrets,” but was disappointed the situation had become public.
“It’s unfortunate that the negotiations and contract talks have become so public,” he said.
In a statement earlier this week, MLE said it was “shocked” that Chestnut chose rival plant-based hot dog brand Impossible Foods over Nathan’s famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.
It was a position reiterated by MLE representatives to The Washington Post on Wednesday, blaming Chestnut and his team for the predicament.
“Joey is not banned. He chose not to compete at the moment he decided to sign an endorsement deal with one of Nathan’s rivals,” the agent said.
However, Chestnut’s possible absence was “disappointing” not only to competitors but also to eating fans around the world.
Even Mayor Eric Adams lamented the lack of big names in sports at the signature event.
“Stop being so mean! It is IMPOSSIBLE to host this year’s Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” Adams wrote, linking to X’s shocking report.
“Let’s find a way to put an end to this feud and bring our champion back to Coney Island to celebrate another Fourth of July!”
Chestnut’s participation in the Independence Day competition is up in the air, but he will go head-to-head with another competitive eating legend, Takeru Kobayashi, who has had a spat with MLE.
The two legends will face off on Netflix this Labor Day.
“I’m really excited about the Netflix competition,” Chestnut said. “Me and Kobayashi, he’s always been my biggest rival, so I’m really excited to go up against him again.”
