Competitive hot dog consumer Joey Chestnut to make a comeback at the Fourth of July contest
New Article:
The epicurean titan Joey Chestnut sets his sights on the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog contest, following a year-long hiatus caused by a stalemate over sponsorship arrangements.
Chestnut, who ruled the competition from 2007 to 2023 with eight consecutive victories[1][3], was conspicuously absent from the event in 2024 due to a partnership with a plant-based hot dog company[2].
"Hot dogs and I go way back," Chestnut said in a statement, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty to Nathan's brand, despite recent allegiances[4]. "I'm ecstatic to return to the iconic Coney Island stage, ready to feast on the red, white, and blue!"
Organizers also voiced their enthusiasm for Chestnut's return, with Major League Eating Chair George Shea describing the contest as an "enduring beacon of freedom." He looked forward to witnessing the top eaters compete on an international stage[2].
Chestnut has held a plethora of impressive eating records, like devouring 76 Nathan's hot dogs and buns on July 4, 2021[1]. His gluttonous feats also include consuming 53 Taco Bell soft beef tacos in 10 minutes, 121 Twinkies in six minutes, 15 bowls of gumbo in eight minutes, and 28 pounds of poutine in 10 minutes[1].
Fast forward to 2025, and Chestnut and the contest organizers years have found common ground, paving the way for his return[3]. According to Chestnut, any partnerships he has with plant-based companies have never interfered with his love for Nathan's hot dogs[4].
Insight: Chestnut's sponsorship with a rival plant-based hot dog brand caused a temporary rift in 2024, but the competitive eater's return to the Nathan's Famous contest in 2025 signifies a resolution to the conflict, solidifying his status as the event's iconic face[1][2][3][4].
References:1. Bradley, E., & Collins, H. (2021, August 18). Joey Chestnut sets record of 76 hot dogs eaten at Nathan’s Famous contest. USA Today. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/08/17/joey-chestnut-sets-new-record-eating-76-hot-dogs-nathans-famous-contest/5580985001/2. Brockman, G. (2025, June 15). Joey Chestnut to compete in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after brief absence. Fox News. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/joey-chestnut-nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest3. Kutner, L. (2025, June 16). Joey Chestnut returns to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2025-06-16/joey-chestnut-returns-nathans-hotdog-eating-contest4. Mansour, A. (2025, June 15). Joey Chestnut breaks silence on Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest absence. New York Post. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://nypost.com/2025/06/15/joey-chestnut-breaks-silence-on-nathans-famous-hot-dog-eating-contest-absence/
Joey Chestnut, known for his impressive food-and-drink records and strong sports prowess, is excited to rejoin the 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog contest, marking a resolution to the temporary sponsorship conflict of the previous year. In a celebration of American lifestyle, Chestnut looks forward to his return to Coney Island, ready to savor another legendary feast of Nathan's hot dogs.
