Joey Chestnut is back—and so is his appetite for victory.
After missing last year’s showdown due to a contract drama, the reigning legend of competitive eating made a triumphant return to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, and fans couldn’t have been happier.
A Familiar Champ Back on Top
At 41 years old, Chestnut didn’t just show up—he dominated, scarfing down 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
That total may have fallen shy of his jaw-dropping 2021 world record of 76, but it was still more than enough to reclaim the Mustard Belt.
As the crowd chanted his name and waved foam hot dog hats, Chestnut humbly addressed his performance:
“I wish I ate a couple more. Sorry guys. I’ll be back next year.”
This marked his 17th win in 20 appearances, cementing his place as the undisputed king of Coney Island’s biggest food event.
Miki Sudo Still Rules the Women’s Division
In the women’s competition, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, claimed her 11th title, finishing with 33 hot dogs—far from her personal best of 51 last year, but still miles ahead of the other dozen competitors.
She was honest about falling short of expectations:
“I feel like I let the fans down a little bit… The buns felt larger today.”
Despite not hitting her goal, Sudo’s performance once again proved why she’s a titan in the sport.
Fans Flock to Witness the July 4th Eating Extravaganza
Thousands gathered in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant, to celebrate the messy, mouth-stuffing tradition that has become as American as fireworks on the Fourth.
For Chestnut, the event isn’t just another contest—it’s deeply personal.
“It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” he told fans.
This year, he faced off against 14 competitors from around the globe, including contenders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, and the Czech Republic.
Last Year’s Winner Falls Short
Patrick Bertoletti, who claimed the 2024 men’s title with 58 hot dogs, returned to defend his crown but managed only 46.5 dogs, finishing in second place behind Chestnut.
A strong effort, but the champ had other plans.
Chestnut, never one to shy away from competition, told ESPN:
“I love doing it. I love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people.”
The Contract Drama That Kept Chestnut Away in 2024
Last year, fans were shocked when Chestnut was absent from the competition.
The reason? A contract dispute with event organizers tied to his partnership with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat brand.
Chestnut later clarified he never did commercials for their vegan dogs and insisted Nathan’s has always been his true hot dog partner.
“I should have made that more clear with Nathan’s,” he admitted.
Hot Dogs with Soldiers at Fort Bliss
Even though he missed Coney Island last year, Chestnut still honored his Independence Day eating ritual—just in a different setting.
He downed 57 hot dogs in five minutes during an exhibition with U.S. soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
Reflecting on that experience, he said:
“I’m happy I did that, but I’m really happy to be back at Coney Island.”
