Joey Chestnut: The GOAT Returns After 16 Hot Dog Titles — Can Anyone Stop Him?

When people name their GOATs, or Greatest of All Time athletes, across various sports there’s a good chance that Joey Chestnut’s name comes up. After a controversial ban from the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the king is returning next month.What Happened: Whether Chestnut is a GOAT or sports king likely depends on your definition of competitive eating as a sport. One thing is for sure: Since 2007, there haven’t been many sure things, like betting on Chestnut to win the annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.”I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” Chestnut tweeted.Chestnut was banned from the competition last year due to its sponsorship of the plant-based food company Impossible Foods, which was viewed as a rival of Nathan’s Famous Inc.

(NASDAQ:NATH), the annual competition’s sponsor.”While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with,” Chestnut added.Chestnut has won the event 16 times including 16 …Full story available on Benzinga.com