Joey Chestnut will not compete at 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

For the first time since 2015, the Mustard Belt will be around a new, very bloated waist come Independence Day.

Joey Chestnut has chomped competition in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every Fourth of July since 2007, save one year when he was unseated (and over-eated) by Matt Stonie. This year, Chestnut won't be able to defend the Mustard Belt due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods.

As first reported by the New York Post, Chestnut won't be participating in this year's contest amidst a dispute with Major League Eating, the organization which sanctions the contest.

According to the Post, Chestnut has agreed to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a brand that sells meat substitutes. That is a no-no for MLE and Nathan's leaving the partnership belly up.

"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship," MLE said in a statement.

MLE also made note that Chestnut is not banned from the contest and will be allowed to compete once he isn't representing Impossible Foods.

"Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."

Chestnut took to social media to give his perspective on the dispute. He says he found out he was banned from the 2024 competition the same time everyone else did, and alleges that Major League Eating and Nathan's changed the rules regarding outside partnerships.

"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," Chestnut wrote. "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 Nathan's 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!"

"We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses. It's OK to experiment with a new dog. Meat eaters shouldn't have to be exclusive to just one wiener," Impossible Foods said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.

Chestnut swallowed up the competition in 2023, a rain-soaked event, downing 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to earn his 16th Nathan's title. The event was threatened due to rain, but was ultimately held.

For those hoping for a Takeru Kobayashi return to the spotlight, you may be out of luck: The competitive eater who helped catapult popularity of the sport in the early 2000s announced his retirement earlier in 2024.

That means the door – and the esophagus – is open for the field come July 4th.

Contributing: Josh Peter, Jace Evans