(NEXSTAR) — Brace yourselves, competitors: Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is set to return to Coney Island next month for the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
“This event means the world to me,” Chestnut shared on social media Monday morning. “It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”
The renowned competitive eater missed out on last year’s competition, which was claimed by Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago, due to a sponsorship agreement with Impossible Foods, a company known for plant-based meat alternatives. Organizers of the Nathan’s Famous event stated he could not participate because of the sponsorship conflict.
Instead of appearing at the 2024 event, Chestnut competed in a hot dog eating contest at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, as part of an event for military families stationed there.
“We think this is a powerful tribute to our armed forces and we wish Joey the best of luck at his event,” said George Shea, a spokesperson for Major League Eating (MLE), which oversees the Nathan’s Famous contest.
Major League Eating eventually conceded the sponsorship issue
Chestnut on Monday acknowledged his 2024 Coney Island absence and his brand deal, explaining on Monday that, “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.”
“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground,” he added.
The Indiana native had competed in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest since 2005, and had not lost since 2015. In 2021 he set the record of 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. During Netflix’s “Chestnut versus Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” a live hot dog eating contest held in Las Vegas last year, Chestnut broke his own record, eating 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
It’s difficult to predict whether Chestnut will again break his own record, but his sights may instead be on returning to the place he adores.
“I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
