Paige Spiranac is poised to take over from Joey Chestnut’s prolific talents.
Shortly after The Washington Post reported Tuesday that Chestnut had been barred from participating in the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on July 4th because of a branding agreement with a rival, the longtime golfer volunteered for the annual event while bragging about his achievements.
“I’ll take your place. My record is 6.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes.” Posted by Spiranac Station X aired the story on Tuesday following a Washington Post report about Chestnut, who has won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 16 times.
Spiranac, 31, followed up that message with “video evidence” on Wednesday.
“I found the video proof. They lied and said they only got 6 hot dogs instead of 6.5. Might have to try again on the 4th of July. What do you think?,” Spiranac shared with her 1 million followers on X.
Spiranac’s post comes as a “disheartened” Chestnut deals with the news that he will not be competing in the Nathan’s competition after agreeing a deal to represent Impossible Foods, the brand that recently launched a vegan hot dog.
“I was shocked to find out through the media that after 19 years I was banned from the Nathan’s 4th of July hot dog eating contest. I love competing in the competition, I love celebrating America on the 4th with fans across this great country and I have been training hard to defend my title.” Chesnut wrote: X’s Tuesday.
“…Unfortunately, this is a decision made by Nathan’s and Major League Eating that will deprive my amazing fans of the usual joy and entertainment of the holidays. To my fans, I love and appreciate you all, and rest assured you will see me eating again soon!! Stay hungry!”
Major League Eating (MLE) released a statement about the incident, saying it was “shocked” to learn that Chestnut had “chose to represent a rival brand that offers a plant-based hot dog rather than compete in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
“…”We have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity agreement for nearly 20 years. However, it appears that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with another brand over our longstanding relationship.”
Chestnut, who downed a record 76 hot dogs in 2021, ate 62 in last year’s competition.
