Americaâs perennial hot dog swallowing champion wonât compete in this yearâs Independence Day competition due to a contract dispute, organizers said Tuesday.
Joey âJawsâ Chestnut, 40, has been competing since 2005 and hasnât lost since 2015. At last yearâs Nathanâs Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest he downed 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes.
But Major League Eating event organizer George Shea says Chestnut is moving away from the contest due to a contract dispute.
âWe love him, the fans love him,â Shea said, adding that âHe made the choice.â
Shea says Chestnut struck a deal with a competing brand â a red line for the Nathanâs-sponsored event â but did not elaborate. He said the dispute came down to exclusivity, not money.