Insight Into The World of Competitive Eating

Within the past couple of weeks, many of you have been watching/reading news regarding the imprisonment of pro competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi. He was detained after he attempted to run on stage after the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest in Coney Island, New York held on July 4th. Apparently, Kobayashi had a disagreement with Major League Eating (MLE) regarding his contract and was prohibited to take part in the competition. I’d like to share with you all some information that I have dug up regarding competitive eating contracts, marketing deals, etc.

In the world of competitive eating, there are a few leagues that one can join. Primarily, there is the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE). Under the IFOCE label is the MLE trademark. Aside from these two organizations, there is the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters (AICE) and the  World League of Competitive Eating (WLOCE).

Our good friends at CalorieLab.com were gracious enough to give us a sample outline of an WLOCE contract:

1. Two-year term.
2. Athlete may appear in any league sanctioned event.
3. Athlete cannot apppear in any non-league event without the league’s permission, which can be withheld if the event conflicts or competes with the league.
4. Athlete appoints the league as his exclusive representative for any paid gig relating to his status as a competitive eater, including personal appearances, merchandising, licensing, advertising, film, television, radio, and internet. All such opportunities must be referred to the league, and the league must handle negotiations. The league receives 20 percent of gross income due the athlete under any completed deal.
5. The athlete licenses his name and likeness to the league to use in any promotional activities.
6. The athlete agrees to participate in any media events or interviews arranged by the league.
7. The contract does not create an employer-employee relationship.
8. Termination can only be by mutual agreement.

This contract is not for the MLE; however, it has been reported that Kobayashi is upset that the MLE demanded that he not take part in any non-MLE event. In addition to this, MLE apparently wanted a cut of each marketing deal and appearance that Kobayashi accepted. As you can imagine, competitive eating is not a lucrative profession, and by swiping a piece of Kobayashi’s endorsements and appearances, the MLE would really be putting a stranglehold on his income.

Later on I will have a post which will give insight on a case that Kobayashi may have against Major League Eating.