We, the undersigned, are outraged and saddened by Major League Eating's ("MLE") decision to ban Joey Chestnut, the unparalleled champion of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, from competing in the 2024 event. This ban comes solely due to Joey's sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a vegan product that in no way competes with the meat-filled hot dogs for which Nathan's Famous is known. We further note that, according to Joey Chestnut's Instagram statement, he was not notified of the ban prior to MLE's press release, Joey is not under an exclusivity contract with the MLE, and no existing MLE rules prohibit accepting such a sponsorship. This was unequivocally a targeted takedown of the world's most winningest athlete in a single athletic event. 

This ban echoes the unjust actions taken by MLE in 2010 when they barred Takeru Kobayashi, the godfather of competitive eating, for refusing to sign a contract that would restrict him from participating in non-MLE events. History should not repeat itself, especially when it comes to stifling the careers of athletes who bring immense joy and entertainment to millions.

What's more, the compensation offered to these athletes is disgracefully disproportionate to the revenue they generate for MLE and the brands associated with these contests. The paltry $10,000 prize for the 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, despite drawing in over 2,000,000 viewers on ESPN, is a clear example of exploitation. Meanwhile, the positive press and profits for Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs and MLE soar into the millions. According to MLE's website "MLE promotions generate billions of consumer impressions annually." With self-proclaimed figures like these from MLE's website, the exploitation of these athletes is difficult to negate. 

It is time for Major League Eating and its owners, David Baer, Richard Shea and George Shea, to recognize the unfairness of their treatment of athletes. Competitive eating is not like the MLB or the NBA; these athletes deserve fair compensation and the freedom to pursue sponsorships that align with their personal choices. 

Join us in demanding the removal of Joey Chestnut's ban and advocating for fair treatment for all competitors. Let's stand together for integrity and justice in the eating community!