Joey Chestnut’s Potential Return to Hot Dog Eating Contest

This summer, Coney Island might see the return of a competitive eating legend at one of its most famous events. Joey Chestnut is in talks with Major League Meals to participate in the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest.

According to TMZ, negotiations are underway to bring Chestnut back after he was banned from the competition last year due to a contract issue linked to a sponsorship with a different hot dog brand.

This time, however, those issues seem resolved, and both parties are eager to finalize the arrangement. Major League Meals hasn’t provided any comments, and Chestnut’s representatives haven’t responded to requests for statements.

Last year, the news broke that Chestnut had been banned from Nathan’s competition, which stirred up quite a bit of controversy, even drawing comments from Mayor Eric Adams. This was largely due to his involvement with a meatless hot dog at the time.

Interestingly, while Chestnut was absent, someone else took home the coveted mustard belt for the first time since 2015. Patrick Bertletti, from Chicago, won last year’s contest with 58 hot dogs, which certainly shook things up.

Chestnut recently hinted at his desire to return in an interview with the Explosion, expressing his willingness to negotiate terms that wouldn’t conflict with other sponsorships. He remarked, “If they returned on similar terms we were talking about last year, I would definitely consider that. I love that contest.” After all, who wouldn’t? His record-breaking performance last September, with 83 hot dogs eaten, remains a highlight in competitive eating history.