Joey Chestnut emerges victorious in the comeback of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Competition
After a year-long absence due to a sponsorship dispute, Joey Chestnut made a triumphant return to the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th, 2025. The sunny skies of Brooklyn played host to the highly anticipated event, where Chestnut, a 16-time champion, extended his record with a 17th victory.
The contest saw Chestnut consuming 70 and a half hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, a feat that left his competitors in his wake. The next closest competitor managed to consume 24 fewer hot dogs, underscoring Chestnut's dominance in the sport.
Chestnut's return was met with excitement and anticipation from fans and the competitive eating community alike. His unique relationship with Nathan's Famous, the restaurant hosting the event, was reaffirmed as he pledged his allegiance to the brand. Chestnut expressed his love for the event, calling it a cherished tradition and a significant part of his life.
The 2024 competition was a missed opportunity for Chestnut, as he was barred from participating due to his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company producing plant-based hot dogs. This conflict kept him out of the contest, but for 2025, Chestnut and the organizers resolved their differences regarding sponsorships.
Meanwhile, Miki Sudo, the reigning women's champion, also made her mark on the contest. She broke the women's all-time record, consuming 51 hot dogs and buns in a previous contest, and went on to win her 11th title at the hot dog eating contest, consuming 33 franks and buns.
In a separate event on Labor Day in 2024, Chestnut showcased his formidable eating abilities once more, consuming 83 all-beef hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. In the same contest held on July 4th, 2024, Patrick Bertoletti finished second to Chestnut, while Sudo shared the winner's podium with Bertoletti.
Despite the initial nerves, Chestnut found his rhythm during the contest and expressed happiness about his victory. His goal for the contest was between 70 and 77 hot dogs and buns, and he exceeded his expectations with his 70 and a half hot dogs and buns.
As the dust settles on another successful Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, the focus now shifts to the future. With Chestnut back in the game, the competitive eating scene is set for an exciting year ahead.
Joey Chestnut, in conversation, shared that he considers the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest as a cherished tradition and a significant part of his lifestyle, encompassing not just the food-and-drink aspect but also the sports competition itself. Miki Sudo, alongside Chestnut, showcased their impressive food-consumption skills in sports events, notably in the hot dog eating contests, where their dominance was evident.
