Reported 7 months ago
Joey Chestnut, the reigning hot dog eating champion, will not compete in this year's July 4 contest due to a contract dispute, according to event organizers. The dispute arose from Chestnut's deal with a rival brand, causing him to step away from the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. Chestnut's absence opens up new opportunities for competitors, with last year's 2nd and 3rd place winners hoping to clinch the top spot this year. This situation mirrors a past incident involving Japanese eating champion, Takeru Kobayashi, who also left the competition due to a contract dispute in 2010.
Source: YAHOO