Get ready, Coney Island! The Fourth of July spectacle just got its main ingredient back. After a controversial absence, competitive eating icon Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is confirmed to return to the nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest in 2025. His comeback ends a year-long ban that sent ripples through the sport.
Chestnut’s return restores the familiar face of dominance to one of America’s most unique holiday traditions. Fans and organizers alike are buzzing with anticipation. This year’s event promises not just a competition, but a triumphant return for the man who has defined modern competitive eating.
The Ban and The Return of “Jaws”
Joey Chestnut is synonymous with the Nathan’s Fourth of July contest. Prior to 2024, he had won the event an astonishing 16 times in 17 appearances. His absence from the 2024 competition was the result of a dispute with Major League Eating (MLE), the governing body.
The controversy stemmed from Chestnut signing a deal to promote a brand of plant-based wieners, Impossible Foods. MLE reportedly viewed this as a conflict with their “basic hot dog exclusivity provisions,” specifically concerning Nathan’s Famous. Event impresario George Shea famously compared the situation to Michael Jordan endorsing Adidas while under contract with Nike.
Chestnut countered that his partnerships, including those in the plant-based sector, didn’t conflict with his connection to Nathan’s or his “love for hot dogs.” He emphasized that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has ever formally worked with. After a year apart, both sides engaged in discussions to find “common ground.”
The successful resolution paves the way for Chestnut’s highly anticipated return. He expressed his excitement on social media, calling the event a “cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.” His presence is expected to revitalize viewership and in-person attendance, which saw a dip in 2024 without its biggest star.
Aiming for a Historic 17th Mustard Belt
At 41, Joey Chestnut isn’t just returning; he’s returning to chase history. He aims to secure his 17th Mustard Belt, the coveted prize awarded to the men’s champion. His personal best at the Nathan’s contest is 76 hot dogs and buns, set in 2021.
Beyond the Nathan’s stage, Chestnut also holds the current world record for hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes, downing 83 during a Netflix special in September 2024. This recent performance demonstrates he’s still operating at peak capacity.
Betting markets reflect Chestnut’s overwhelming favoritism for the 2025 contest. He is listed with incredibly short odds, suggesting oddsmakers see him as the clear frontrunner. While his average consumption at the event is around 66.5 dogs, the over/under for his total this year is set at a high 71.5. Betting lines also exist on whether he can break his own Nathan’s record of 76, though the odds favor him not surpassing that monumental number this year.
The Challenge: Who Stands in His Way?
While Chestnut is the favorite, the competitive eating world is not without its challengers. In his absence in 2024, veteran eater Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti claimed the Mustard Belt by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns. Bertoletti, alongside other top contenders like Geoffrey Esper and James Webb, will undoubtedly be training hard to defend their ground or upset the returning king.
The men’s contest isn’t the only event drawing attention. The women’s competition also features a dominant force: Miki Sudo. The 10-time champion is back to defend her title. Sudo set a new women’s world record in 2024 by eating 51 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, proving the competitive spirit runs deep in both divisions.
The weigh-in ceremony, traditionally held before the main event, saw both Chestnut and Sudo certified for competition. Chestnut described the annual contest as his “Indy 500,” highlighting its significance in his career.
The Spectacle and Tradition of Coney Island
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is far more than just a competition; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Held annually on July 4th in front of the original Nathan’s restaurant at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, the event draws tens of thousands of spectators. Millions more watch the live broadcast on ESPN.
A key part of the spectacle is the bombastic introduction of the eaters by George Shea. Shea, co-founder of MLE, considers his role an “annual treat.” He crafts unique, larger-than-life pronouncements for each competitor, none more epic than those reserved for Chestnut. These introductions build anticipation and contribute significantly to the event’s entertainment value. Shea believes these grand entrances elevate Chestnut’s legendary status.
The contest itself follows strict rules: 10 minutes are on the clock, no condiments or utensils are allowed, and eaters can use water or other non-alcoholic drinks to aid consumption. The goal is simple: eat the most hot dogs and buns within the time limit.
A Legacy Built on History
While the contest’s often-cited 1916 origin story is largely a promotional myth, the event became an official annual tradition in 1972. Its profile grew significantly in the 1990s under the Shea brothers. The arrival of Japanese eating phenom Takeru Kobayashi in 2001 revolutionized techniques and catapulted the contest into mainstream sports, securing its spot on ESPN and introducing prize money and the iconic belts.
Joey Chestnut’s dominance over the past two decades has solidified the event’s status and his own legend. His return in 2025 is expected not only to boost interest but also to reassert the primary narrative of competitive eating: Chestnut vs. the clock and the dogs. George Shea noted that while the 2024 contest was competitive, Chestnut’s return brings “more excitement.” Both sides ultimately wanted this comeback, demonstrating a mutual recognition of its importance to the sport’s overall health and popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joey Chestnut banned from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2024?
Joey Chestnut was banned from the 2024 contest by Major League Eating (MLE) due to a sponsorship conflict. The dispute arose after Chestnut signed a deal to promote plant-based wieners from Impossible Foods, which MLE considered a violation of exclusivity provisions related to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Chestnut maintained his partnerships didn’t conflict with his relationship with Nathan’s.
When and where is the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025. It takes place in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. The women’s contest typically begins around 11 a.m. EDT, followed by the men’s contest around noon EDT.
What are the expectations for Joey Chestnut’s performance this year?
Based on his history and recent performances, Joey Chestnut is heavily favored to win his 17th title in 2025. His world record is 83 hot dogs, and his Nathan’s record is 76. Betting odds reflect high expectations, with his over/under set at 71.5 hot dogs. While a new Nathan’s record of 77+ is possible, the odds suggest he may not reach that peak this year, but he is still expected to dominate the field.
Conclusion
Joey Chestnut’s return marks a pivotal moment for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. After a year away, the sport’s biggest star is back on its most prominent stage. His quest for a 17th Mustard Belt, coupled with the potential for record-breaking consumption, adds immense drama to the annual Fourth of July tradition in Coney Island. With the controversy behind them, Chestnut and organizers are ready to deliver the spectacle fans have come to expect. The hot dogs are ready, Coney Island is ready, and the legend is back.
