JOEY CHESTNUT is a competitive eater famous for dominating the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in the last two decades.
The star rose to fame in 2007 when he dethroned six-time defending champ Takeru Kobayashi at the annual event and, since then, he has only lost once in 2015.
Joey was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky.
As of 2024, he is ranked No 1 in the world by Major League Eating – a group that organizes professional competitive eating events and television specials.
Chestnut’s first Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating championship was in 2007.
He beat six-time defending champ Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi consuming a record-breaking 66 hot dogs and buns.
In July 2009, he set a new world record by downing 68 hot dogs and went on to break his record again in 2013 after consuming 69.
Chestnut again broke his own contest record in 2020, consuming an astounding 75 hot dogs.
Chestnut also took home the 2023 trophy to make it 16 wins out of 17.
Joey was once engaged to Neslie Ricasa, and he actually proposed to her at the 2014 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The pair split before their wedding day and Neslie is now married to Drew Ely, who she shares two children with.
However, the hot dog eating king will NOT be defending his crown in 2024.
Despite his position as the contest’s most famous participant, record winner and record holder, Chestnut is not taking part in the 2024 event.
That was because he was BANNED by organisers over a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods – which promotes meat-fee products.
Joey Chestnut will not be allowed to compete in this year's Hot Dog Eating Contest because of a new sponsorship.
Chestnut has won 16 Fourth of July contests and in 2021 are 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
The hot dog eating competition is run by Major League Eating and sponsored by Nathan’s – a famous wiener brand.
And Chestnut has signed a deal with plant-based Impossible Foods.
That makes it impossible for him to now compete in the Nathan’s contest, unless something changes.
Chestnut said he was ‘gutted’ by the news he won’t be allowed to defend his title.
The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed in June, Chestnut is not actually banned and can come back, IF he ditches his Impossible Food deal.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest MC George Shea told The U.S. Sun: “We would never ban Joey Chestnut – we are not banning him.
“What happened is after 20 years with Nathan’s he signed with a rival brand, a plant-based meat brand which is selling hot dogs which runs into a conflict with Nathan’s.
“As a result that conflict makes it that he can’t [take part on July 4] and that’s always been the case.”
However, his chances of appearing are slim, with Chestnut now scheduled to appear at Fort Bliss, Texas, to take part in another eating contest against American soldiers.
As of July 2023, Chestnut has an estimated net worth of $4-5million.
He is likely to have amassed this fortune from his career earnings and other business ventures.
Chestnut has a line of condiments sold under his name which includes mustard, dipping sauce, coney sauce, hot sauce, and more.
The prize money from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest stands at $10,000 for the winner.
Chestnut was not able to set a new world record at the 2023 contest, but he was still able to put on an impressive show.
On the way to his 16th title, he was able to consume 62 hot dogs and buns following a long delay for rain.
He set the record in 2021 – with a massive 76 hot dogs and buns – while in 2022 he had to FIGHT OFF a protester who ran on stage.
According to Fox News, the champ was interrupted by protesters about halfway through the 10-minute event.
Chestnut reportedly grabbed a man around the neck and helped pull him to the ground before returning to his position.
One fan told the media outlet: “Joey was on a record pace. We should have witnessed history.
“That guy totally messed with [Joey’s] momentum.”
A man was arrested shortly after the altercation, Fox News reported.
