Anyone tuning into the July 4th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN will notice a 100% lack of Joey Chestnut. Do not adjust your picture or call your local cable company. Chestnut has been banned from eating this Thursday, thus breaking his 8-year streak as champion.
He hasn’t just won. He’s dominated. Starting in 2007, Chestnut has been the victor every single year except for 2015, when dropped the title for 12 months to Matt Stonie.
Joey trained hard and came back stronger than ever in 2016, eating a then-record of 70 hot dogs. In the years since, he’s added to his all-time record, raising the bar to 76 in 2021.
Why Is Chestnut Out?
Major League Eating was forced to expel Chestnut from this year’s contest because he partnered with Impossible Foods, creator of plant-based meats. Since Impossible Foods also produces a line of hot dogs, Nathan’s and MLE viewed that as a conflict and will not allow him to eat in 2024.
With the top dog out of the running, entertainment sportsbooks have created odds for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest betting based on the current field. Here’s this year’s futures offered at Bovada.
2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds To Win
- Geoffrey Esper -200
- James Webb +220
- Nick Wehry +400
- Darron Breedon +800
- Matt Stonie +1100
- Patrick Bertoletti +2000
- Gideon Oji +2500
- Bertley Weaver IV +2500
- Pablo Martinez +3500
Both Geoffrey Esper and James Webb finished second and third, respectively, in 2023. This year, they’re the top two contenders at online entertainment sportsbooks.
Joey Chestnut Will Eat On July 4th
Since Joey’s Independence Day plans were canceled, he’s decided to join a different hot dog eating contest. This one will take place at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and will put him up against several US military veterans.
Chestnut’s total will be weighed against a team of vets, and he is expected to put on an impressive show due to being in competition shape. We’ve yet to see any odds posted for this July 4th event, nor have we seen evidence that it will be broadcast on television.
However, spectators can visit the Pop Goes the Fort July 4th Celebration in El Paso and watch him eat in person.
Chestnut vs. Kobayashi?
On Labor Day, Chestnut will participate in a one-on-one hot dog eating contest against his former nemesis, Takeru Kobayashi. The competition will stream live on Netflix, but the details regarding the grand prize have not been revealed.
Entertainment prop bets have surfaced already, and it looks like Joey is in for an easy win this September 2nd. The following prop can be found at BetOnline.
Joey Chestnut vs. Takeru Kobayashi on Netflix
- Joey Chestnut -750
- Takeru Kobayashi +450
There are other Chestnut vs. Kobayashi odds available, but keep in mind that payouts cannot be earned until Labor Day 2024.