Dynastic hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut did not compete in today’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest after striking a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods. “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” the Major League Eating organization, which oversees the event, said in a statement. Chestnut won the “Mustard Yellow Belt” 16 times, ate a world record 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2021, and has reportedly made hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars for his competitive eating of hot dogs and other foods.
Fans of the Major League Eating (MLE) competition vowed to boycott this year’s event, claiming that without Chestnut, the spectacle had lost its main attraction. In a desperate move to salvage the 2024 contest, MLE decided to add an unprecedented twist: the hot dog eating competition took place on a roller coaster. “We believe this will bring a new level of excitement and challenge to the contest,” said MLE spokesperson Frank Bunson. “It’s not just about how many hot dogs you can eat, but whether you can keep them down at 60 miles per hour.”
The roller coaster twist, dubbed “The Thrill Ride Chowdown,” brought both thrills and spills. Several contestants faced the added challenge of not only consuming hot dogs but also dealing with the roller coaster’s loops and drops. Spectators were treated to an unexpected show as contestants struggled to hold down their meals, with several unfortunate incidents requiring a cleanup crew on standby. “We had to deploy several people to clean up the vomit near the roller coaster,” said Bunson. “It added a whole new dimension to the competition.”
Critics were skeptical of the roller coaster idea, calling it a gimmick and questioning its safety. However, the league pushed forward, and the unique event drew a mix of amused and horrified reactions from fans. “It’s just not the same without Joey,” said longtime fan Bob “Bun” Baker. “No amount of roller coaster loops can replace the thrill of seeing him demolish 70-plus hot dogs.”
Meanwhile, Joey Chestnut is embracing his new plant-based lifestyle with gusto. Having struck a deal with Impossible Foods, Chestnut has transitioned to competitive lettuce eating, a decision that has left the eating community both stunned and amused. His new career kicked off with a record-breaking 100 heads of lettuce consumed in 10 minutes, leaving spectators both impressed and bewildered. Critics accuse Chestnut of abandoning the heart of American gluttony, with some fans dubbing him “Lettuce Judas.”
Chestnut remains unfazed by the backlash, stating that his switch to lettuce is about more than just competition; it’s a statement about sustainability and health. “I’ve conquered the hot dog world; now it’s time to tackle the greens,” Chestnut said in a recent interview, chomping on a crisp romaine. As the MLE scrambles to fill the void left by its star, Joey Chestnut’s leafy exploits continue to draw a curious, if somewhat perplexed, audience.