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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Who is Joey Chestnut and why was the competitive eater banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2024?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOEY Chestnut is most dominant competitive eater in the sport's history. He practically owned the trophy for Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest over the last two decades — that is until he was banned. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Competitive eater Joey Chestnut has won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest a record 16 times Credit: Andrew Schwartz / Who is Joey Chestnut? Joey Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky. As of June 2025, he is ranked No 1 in the world by Major League Eating - a group that organizes professional competitive eating events and television specials. Joey'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. Joey broke his own contest record again in 2020, consuming an astounding 75 hot dogs. He also took home the 2023 trophy to make it 16 wins out of 17, so since triumphing over Kobayashi in 2007, Joey has only lost once at the annual event — in 2015. Joey was once engaged to Neslie Ricasa — he proposed to her at the 2014 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. The pair split before their planned wedding day and Neslie is now married to Drew Ely, who she shares two children with. However, the hot dog eating king did NOT defend his crown in 2024. Why was Joey Chestnut banned from the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest? Despite his position as the contest's most famous participant, record winner and record holder, Joey didn't taking part in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024. That was because he was BANNED by organisers over a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods — which promotes meat-fee products. What's the beef? 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 ate 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 wouldn't be allowed to defend his title. The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed in June 2024, Joey wasn't actually banned and was eligible to come back to the contest, but only if he ditched 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, he decided against ditching his sponsors and instead appeared at an eating contest against American soldiers held at Fort Bliss, Texas. But in June 2025, Joey and Major League Eating announced that the 41-year-old will return to compete in the Fourth of July tradition. "I will be thrilled to be returning to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," Joey wrote on X. How many hotdogs did Joey Chestnut eat during the 2023 Hot Dog eating contest? 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. Joey 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. But in September 2024, Joey did manage to break his own world record. He downed 83 hot dogs to defeat Kobayashi once again in Netflix's Unfinished Beef event held on Labor Day in Las Vegas — 15 years after the two last competed against each other.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Who is Joey Chestnut and why was the competitive eater banned from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2024?
JOEY Chestnut is most dominant competitive eater in the sport's history. He practically owned the trophy for Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest over the last two decades — that is until he was banned. Advertisement 1 Competitive eater Joey Chestnut has won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest a record 16 times Credit: Andrew Schwartz / Who is Joey Chestnut? Joey Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky. As of June 2025, he is ranked No 1 in the world by Major League Eating - a group that organizes professional competitive eating events and television specials. Joey'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. Advertisement 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. Joey He also took home the 2023 trophy to make it 16 wins out of 17, so s ince triumphing over Kobayashi in 2007, Joey has only lost once at the annual event — in 2015. Joey was once engaged to Neslie Ricasa — he proposed to her at the 2014 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Advertisement Most read in Sport The pair split before their planned wedding day and Neslie is now married to Drew Ely, who she shares two children with. However, the hot dog eating king did NOT defend his crown in 2024. Why was Joey Chestnut banned from the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest? Despite his position as the contest's most famous participant, record winner and record holder, Joey didn't taking part in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024. That was because he was BANNED by organisers over a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods — which promotes meat-fee products. Advertisement What's the beef? 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 ate 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 wouldn't be allowed to defend his title. The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed in June 2024, Joey wasn't actually banned and was eligible to come back to the contest, but only if he ditched 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." Advertisement However, he decided against ditching his sponsors and instead appeared at an eating contest against American soldiers held at Fort Bliss, Texas. But in June 2025, Joey and Major League Eating announced that the 41-year-old will return to compete in the Fourth of July tradition. "I will be thrilled to be returning to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," Joey wrote on X. How many hotdogs did Joey Chestnut eat during the 2023 Hot Dog eating contest? 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. Advertisement 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 Joey reportedly grabbed a man around the neck and helped pull him to the ground before returning to his position. Advertisement 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. Read more on the Irish Sun But in September 2024, Joey did manage to break his own world record . Advertisement He downed 83 hot dogs to defeat Kobayashi once again in Netflix's Unfinished Beef event held on Labor Day in Las Vegas — 15 years after the two last competed against each other.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Joey Chestnut? 16-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest winner to make a comeback
Joey Chestnut, the competitive eating superstar, is set to return to Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this year. The 16-time champion missed the contest last year due to a dispute with Major League Eating over his sponsorship deal with plant-based hot dog manufacturer Impossible Foods. Joey Chestnut and Major League Eating were in negotiations last week regarding his return to the competition, according to the New York Post. In a series of posts on X, Joey Chestnut celebrated his return to Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. He stated that the event 'means the world' to him, calling it a 'cherished tradition' and 'a celebration of American culture.' Regarding last year's controversy about his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, Chestnut said, '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.' He is a competitive eater who has won Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest every year from 2015 to 2023. The Indiana native first participated in the competition in 2005. His dispute with Major League Eating last year caused him to miss the chance to add another title to his tally. The 41-year-old has now agreed to endorse only Nathan's hot dogs as part of a three-year deal with the company and the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) Inc., which runs the annual competition, USA Today reported. The contract was signed earlier in June. The outlet also reported that Chestnut is still working with Impossible Foods. He declined to share the financial details of Nathan's contract. ALSO READ: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024: Time, competitors, prizes and more It is an annual contest held at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. Chestnut will return to the competitive eating event in an attempt to defeat last year's champion, Patrick Bertoletti, who scarfed down 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Bertoletti became the first person since 2015, other than Chestnut, to win the contest. In the women's category, Miki Sudo ate 51 hot dogs and buns to win the title. Chestnut still holds the overall contest record, eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021. Joey Chestnut told USA Today that he hopes to set a new record this year, aiming to consume 80 hot dogs at the contest. He is known for winning Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest consecutively from 2015 to 2023. The competition will be aired on ESPN. He ate a record 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate Fourth of July in style at these Greater New Orleans events
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Every year, Independence Day is commemorated throughout the country with fireworks, barbeque, patriotic music and the like. To help you find somewhere to wear your red, white and blue, WGNO has compiled a list of Fourth of July events throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Learning dance moves from 'Velma Kelly' from Broadway's 'Chicago' Riverfront Marketing Group will showcase a dazzling fireworks show over the Mississippi River on Friday, July 4. The show can be viewed from the East and West Banks of the Mississippi River. This year's display will feature more pyrotechnic shells and special effect features than ever before, according to a news release. Downtown Riverfront, New Orleans All day event Patriotic Calliope concerts at 10:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Trinitones concerts at 2 and 8 p.m. Water show at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Hot dog restaurant Dat Dog is hosting its second annual festival on Friday, July 4. According to a post by Dat Dog, the event will include music, beer and samples from its Dog Design Contest finalists. The winner's hot dog will be added to the Dat Dog menu. Dat Dog will also host a Hot Dog Eating Contest during the event, which you can sign up for on the Dat Dog website. 5030 Freret St., New Orleans 4 to 6 p.m. City Park Conservancy once again is hosting a free community concert and fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy singalongs, bands and appearances by Captain America and Wonder Woman. Food and drink will be available for purchase, according to a news release. 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans Begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Don McLean and Shenandoah are set to headline the 30th anniversary of this day-long festival on Thursday, July 3. Other performances include the Victory Belles and Payton Smith, according to a news release. Guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Local food vendors will be on site. 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie Gates open at 3 p.m. Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. This free event will light up Lake Pontchartrain with fireworks on Friday, July 4. Guests are invited to picnic at the lakefront park starting at 10 a.m. According to a post from the City of Mandeville, the event includes music, a kids' tent and a wide variety of food vendors. Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville Begins at 3 p.m. Parade at 3 p.m. Fireworks at approximately 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs to the Abita Springs Trailhead on Friday, July 4. The festival features live music by Four Unplugged, fireworks, food, craft vendors and more, according to the Visit the Northshore website. 22044 Main St., Abita Springs Music starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. Put on your red, white and blue and bring a chair to Olde Town. This event will feature live music from Brass Monkey, Luna and other bands. There will be games all day along with a hot dog eating contest in the afternoon and a fireworks show in the evening, according to a post by Olde Town Slidell. 2055 Second St., Slidell Begins at 4 p.m. Contest sign-ups begin at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. New Orleans university hits the top of Billboard charts St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, July 3. According to a blog post on the parish website, the event will feature a selection of local food trucks, live music and an over 15-minute firework show. 13825 River Road, Luling Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. On Wednesday, July 2, St. John Parish will host a luncheon for veterans and their families. Send photos to communications@ to be included in a tribute video for the veterans. Register for the luncheon by calling 985-652-9569. 200 Regala Park, Reserve Begins at 11 a.m. Join St. Peter Catholic Church in Reserve and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgard on Wednesday, July 2. A fireworks show will take place at each church on both sides of the Mississippi River, according to the parish website. 2349 LA-18, Edgard or 1550 LA-44, Reserve Begins at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. St. James Parish, the Town of Lutcher and the Town of Gramercy are excited to host a new Food Trucks & Fireworks event on Friday, July 4. A wide variety of food trucks with different types of cuisine will be available, according to St. James Parish's post. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. 412 N. Ezidore Ave., Gramercy Food trucks open at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Louisiana singer Adam Pearce and six-piece variety band Epic will play at the Chalmette Civic Center on Friday, July 4. The event is family friendly and will end with a fireworks show, according to Epic's post. 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette Begins at 5 p.m. Live music at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. According to the Lafourche Parish website, the festival includes live music, Cajun food, a cornhole tournament, a live auction, a bike parade and a fireworks display. Veterans, first responders and medical personnel are also invited to a complimentary breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m. 151 Peltier Park Drive, Thibodaux Begins at 3 p.m. Live music begins at 4 p.m. Auction begins at 5 p.m. Bike parade at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day in Bayou Country on Friday, July 4. Guests can expect plenty of food, drink, music and family-friendly fun, according to Explore Houma. Enjoy all the amenities of the sports park, including a splash pad and sand volleyball courts. 4374 Highway 311, Houma Begins at 2 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Celebrate freedom with fireworks at Zemurray Park on Friday, July 4. There will be food trucks, a DJ, inflatables and train rides at the event. According to a post from the City of Hammond, the park's pool will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. 400 South Oak St., Hammond Fireworks at 9 p.m. Hancock County will host its 4th annual fireworks celebration on Thursday, July 3. The event will feature live music from Joni Compretta and the Baytown Groove as well as a dozen food truck vendors, according to the Diamondhead website. Harbor Circle, Diamondhead, Mississippi Begins at 7 Parish President declares state of emergency over closed bridges Senator Padilla kicked out of press conference Preps for 250th birthday of the Army underway Johnson, heckled by Democrats, backs censure for Padilla President Trump blocks California's ban on the sale of gas powered cars Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time Out
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This powerful photo exhibit shows the turmoil of Coney Island in the 1960s-70s
These days, Coney Island is known for its roller coasters, Mermaid Parade, and Hot Dog Eating Contest, but back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a very different story. Instead, the Brooklyn neighborhood resembled "a war zone" between 1965–1975 amid ill-conceived government projects, as the Coney Island History Project explained. Now, a new exhibit of street photography from that era examines what life was like back then. Charles Denson grew up in the West End of Coney Island and began photographing his neighborhood as a teenager. His photos are now part of the exhibition "Coney Island Streets: 1965–1975," which you can visit for free all summer at the Coney Island History Project. The fee exhibit shows the effects of discriminatory policies that began back in 1938 when the federal government "redlined" Coney Island. Redlining targeted the area because of prejudice against immigrants, African Americans, and local residents who were predominantly of Jewish, Italian, and Irish ancestry, the Coney Island History Project explains. The flawed policies of the Federal Housing Administration made it nearly impossible for homeowners to obtain mortgages, loans, and insurance. Slumlords, arsonists, greedy developers, and block-busting took advantage of the situation, and quality of life deteriorated as the area became a poverty pocket. "I grew up to the sounds of fire engines and bulldozers as block after block of viable housing went up in flames or was reduced to rubble under the treads of heavy machinery. None of the structures in my photographs has survived," Denson said in a press release. Block after block of viable housing went up in flames or was reduced to rubble. The government's Urban Renewal program called for the demolition of 60 blocks of homes and businesses. Then, government funding for such projects ran out in 1974, leaving the Coney Island community with a debris field of burned out structures and closed businesses. "My photographs show how resilient the neighborhood proved to be as residents survived as best they could with what remained. During this 10-year period I photographed portraits of local residents, family-run businesses, and the dramatic day-to-day changes taking place in Coney Island," Denson added. My photographs show how resilient the neighborhood proved to be. After photographing his neighborhood as a teen, Denson eventually began his career in 1971 as a photographer for New York Magazine. Today, he is an author of several books about Coney Island and served as executive director of the nonprofit Coney Island History Project. See the exhibit for free at the Coney Island History Project exhibition center (3059 West 12th Street, next to the West 12th Street entrance to Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, just a few steps off the Boardwalk). It's open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day, 1–7pm.
