Joey Chestnut, widely regarded as the GOAT of competitive eating, has been barred from participating in this year's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. The decision comes after Chestnut endorsed plant-based Impossible hot dogs. Nathan's action has sparked discussions about the role of plant-based meat alternatives in promoting animal rights and environmentalism. Chestnut, who has made six-figure fees and gained notoriety in the competitive eating world, will miss the contest, raising questions about the future of the event without its star participant. An Impossible spokesperson told NPR, “We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses.”
Nathan's barred GOAT Joey Chestnut from this year's hot-dog-eating contest because he endorsed plant-based Impossible hot dogs. What does this say about the role of plant-based meat alternatives in promoting animal rights & environmentalism? Details here: https://t.co/xPquZw0IoS
Joey Chestnut out of July 4th Nathan’s hot dog eating contest https://t.co/WoUmzY7SS2
Hotdog beef: will ‘greatest eater ever’ really miss Fourth of July contest? https://t.co/m8t4aMCBal
Knocking back hot dogs is big business now. Just ask its greatest champion, who’s making six-figure fees and enemies along the way ⬇️ https://t.co/OuLKKkxW6T
"To take Joey Chestnut out of the hot dog eating contest is like booting Patrick Mahomes just two weeks before the Super Bowl," @williamfleitch writes. https://t.co/xAk9mamymv
“We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses,” an Impossible spokesperson said in a statement shared with NPR. “It’s OK to experiment with a new dog. Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.” 🤣 https://t.co/UwgKvyZflq
Joey Chestnut, the best there ever was https://t.co/psfP35li4z
America's best hot dogs: We tested dozens of brands so you don't have to. These 7 stood out. https://t.co/ZvE8WnC5ma