Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, was banned from this year's event due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based food company. Major League Eating, which oversees the contest, barred Chestnut for representing a rival brand, despite Chestnut's hope for a resolution. His absence disappointed many fans, including Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who expressed his dismay on social media. Chestnut will instead compete in a separate hot dog eating contest at Fort Bliss, Texas, aiming to outdo Nathan's winners in a five-minute challenge. Despite the setback, Chestnut's long-term relationship with the contest organizers remains intact, leaving open the possibility of his return if he drops the rival sponsorship.