![Kobayahsi]()
JOEY CHESTNUT IS BACK.
He didn't ever really leave.
Chestnut just got banned from competing in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, an event that he has reigned supreme over for decades. The competitive eater has won the iconic, 4th of July event 16 times, but reportedly won't be allowed to compete in this year's edition because he partnered with Impossible Foods, a vegan brand.
Chestnut put out an official statement regarding the ban earlier today, saying:
"I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I’m banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.
To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th event.
Sadly, this is the decision Nathan’s and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
If the G.O.A.T.-ed glizzy gobbler can't suit up and compete in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, fans of Joey Chestnut can rest easy knowing that there is a confirmed competition that he'll be a part of later this year. Netflix just announced yet another live event, and this one is sure to bring in the masses.
The streaming service will host "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef" on Monday, September 2nd. In the event, longtime competitive eating rivals Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi will go head-to-head to see who can eat the most hot dogs. As Netflix explains in the post below, it's a rivalry and an event 15 years in the making.
https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1800996834027999361
I don't know about you, but knowing that event is waiting for us in September gives me comfort if Chestnut misses out on the iconic 4th of July competition. In my opinion, they might as well not have the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest if Joey Chestnut isn't a part of it.
Something tells me that Nathan's will see this live event from Netflix and realize how important and valuable having Joey "The Glizzy Goat" Chestnut as a part of your event. I bet 100 hotdogs that Nathan's will cave and they'll let the man eat on the 4th of July, as our forefathers intended...
Cue it up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2cuNiPSJ9o
