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Joey Chestnut Ousted From Hot Dog Eating Contest Over Vegan Sponsorship

Joey Chestnut upset

The 2024 edition of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will air on ESPN once again this July 4th, but a popular competitor will not be a part of the action. Sixteen-time champion Joey Chestnut has been disqualified and will not participate in this year’s competition.

His absence guarantees a new winner, breaking Joey’s eight-year streak as the Michael Jordan of hot dog-eating.

Why Has Joey Chestnut Been Disqualified?

Whether viewers love or hate perennial winners, the television ratings are typically high because detractors want to be there when champions lose, and bandwagoners enjoy seeing the star perform as expected.

Chestnut is a ratings draw, and his lack of presence on the 4th will likely mean reduced overall viewership. The rationale for his removal would have to be compelling, and as usual, dollars are t0 blame.

Joey has been DQed from the event because he has signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company that sells plant-based meats.

“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest…”

A Statement From Major League Eating

There are anti-competition rules in place that go back twenty years, so Chestnut’s camp must have been aware of the difficulties the sponsorship could cause before inking the deal.

Who Is Favored To Win Now?

Futures for the contest are usually posted for months in advance at most of the online sportsbooks that we recommend, but after the news of Chestnut’s ouster, only two sites feature odds as of this morning.

The odds for betting on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest heavily favor Geoffrey Esper at Bovada, placing him in the negative and 275 points ahead of the nearest culinary digestion specialist.

2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Specials

  • Geoffrey Esper -225
  • James Webb +250
  • Nick Wehry +400
  • Darron Breedon +800
  • Matt Stonie +1100
  • Patrick Bertoletti +2000
  • Gideon Oji +2500
  • Pablo Martinez +3500
  • Bertley Weaver IV +4500

The existence of differing futures is exactly why players should line shop for the best sportsbook payouts. If you are a member of Bovada and BetOnline, you can place your wager with the one that pays out better on the eater you think will win.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Winner (Without Chestnut)

  • James Webb -150
  • Geoffrey Esper +120
  • Nick Wehry +650
  • Gideon Oji +1600
  • Bartley Weaver IV +1600

BetOnline AG favors James Webb. Esper is getting 1.2-to-1 odds there, so you’ll earn a lot more money at BetOnline if he crushes the most dogs on Independence Day.

Esper and Webb finished second and third in last year’s contest.

Hot Dog Eating Contest Prop Bets

A line has been created for former golfer and social media influencer Paige Spiranac. She has offered to replace Chestnut on Twitter/X, but MLE and Nathan’s have not yet responded. Hot dog props for Spiranac have set her over/under at 7.

How Many Hot Dogs Will Paige Spiranac Eat?

  • Over 7 Hot Dogs -120
  • Under 7 Hot Dogs -120

In 2021, Chestnut set the all-time record with 76 total dogs eaten. Without him, the over/under for the winning total has been set at 50.5, 25 under the mark.

The Number Of Hot Dogs The Winner Will Eat (Without Chestnut)

  • Over 50.5 Hot Dogs -130
  • Under 50.5 Hot Dogs -110

We expect legal entertainment gambling websites to produce more props between now and the contest, especially if Spiranac gets involved or Chestnut goes on the offensive.

Sources:

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