Joey Chestnut Banned from Nathan's Contest

Joey Chestnut has made headlines again by breaking a world record for eating 21 pounds of shrimp at the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship, surpassing his previous record of 15 pounds. The event took place on December 7, ahead of the Big Ten Title game, where Chestnut showcased his competitive eating prowess, despite being banned from Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest due to a sponsorship conflict with Impossible Foods. Chestnut, a 16-time champion, expressed disappointment over his ban but emphasized that he has no contractual obligations with Nathan's, which he claims has altered its rules. Known for his remarkable feats, including holding the record for most hot dogs eaten in ten minutes, he has amassed 55 world records across various food categories. Fans took to social media to express a mix of awe and disgust at his latest achievement, highlighting the polarizing nature of competitive eating. As Chestnut continues to dominate the competitive eating scene, he remains a figure of fascination and controversy.