Joey Chestnut barred from 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

A noticeable face will be absent from the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Joey Chestnut has been barred from competing at the annual July 4th event this year due to a deal he made to represent Impossible Foods, which recently launched a vegan frankfurter, Steve Cuozzo of the New York Post reports.

A Major League Eating (MLE) representative told The Post that organizers tried to meet Chestnut's demands but drew the line at him pitching for another brand.

"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," MLE said in a statement. "MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival, unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.

"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship. Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand."

Chestnut was paid $200,000 to compete at the Nathan's event last year and was offered a four-year, $1.2-million contract to return, a source told The Post.

In a statement to NBC News' Greg Rosenstein, MLE clarified that Chestnut is not banned and that it would like to see him compete at the event.

"There is no ban," MLE said. "Major League Eating wants him there. The fans want him there. Nathan's wants him there."

The 40-year-old Chestnut has won the event every year since 2016 and owns 16 titles overall. He set the world record for hot dogs eaten in 2021, consuming 76 in 10 minutes.