The world of competitive eating is buzzing. Legend Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is set to return to the iconic nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest. After a controversial absence last year, Chestnut is back at Coney Island, New York. His goal? To secure an unprecedented 17th victory in the annual gastronomic showdown.
Chestnut, a 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, is synonymous with the Nathan’s contest. His presence was sorely missed in 2024. That year, he sat out the event due to a contract disagreement. This dispute involved a deal he had reportedly made with Impossible Foods, a company focused on plant-based meat products. Now, Chestnut confirms the issues have been resolved. He is cleared to compete on the famous corner in Brooklyn once more. His return injects major drama into this year’s competition. Fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his title.
The Gap in the Reign: A New Champion Emerged
With Chestnut out of the picture in 2024, a new champion stepped up. Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago seized the opportunity. He claimed the men’s Mustard Belt in Chestnut’s absence. Bertoletti now holds the title of defending champion. This sets the stage for a direct confrontation. Can Bertoletti hold onto his newfound glory? Or will the returning king reassert his dominance? The competitive landscape is certainly more interesting with both powerhouses present.
Miki Sudo’s Quest for Another Title
The women’s competition features its own dominant figure. Miki Sudo, 39, of Tampa, Florida, is the heavy favorite this year. She is the defending champion. Sudo is aiming for her 11th career title at Coney Island. Last year, she delivered a stunning performance. She consumed a record-breaking 51 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute timeframe. Her consistent performance makes her the top contender. She continues to push the boundaries of the sport.
The Legendary Contest at Coney Island
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest boasts a rich history. It dates all the way back to 1972. The event takes place annually in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant. This spot is located in the vibrant Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn. The competition draws massive crowds each year. Many spectators arrive adorned in festive foam hot dog hats. This creates a unique and lively atmosphere.
The rules are straightforward, though the execution is anything but. Competitors in both the men’s and women’s divisions have exactly 10 minutes. Within this time, they must eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible. A common, albeit messy, technique involves dunking the wieners and buns in cups of water. This softens the bread and dog, making it easier to swallow quickly. It certainly adds to the “stomach-churning spectacle” often described by observers.
A Global Gathering of Competitive Eaters
The 2025 contest features a diverse field of eaters. The men’s competition includes 15 competitors. They hail from various parts of the United States. The roster also includes international challengers. These include participants from Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, England, and Brazil. The women’s competition features 13 competitors. All the women in this year’s field are Americans. This international flavor adds another layer to the event. It highlights the growing global appeal of competitive eating.
Chestnut’s Unmatched Records and Legacy
Joey Chestnut is undoubtedly the most decorated competitor in the sport’s history. He holds the current world record for hot dog eating. On July 4, 2021, he devoured an incredible 76 wieners and buns in just 10 minutes. He also holds the record for the most wins in the Nathan’s contest. He has claimed the coveted Mustard Belt 16 times.
His absence from the main event last year was unusual. However, Chestnut did not spend the Fourth of July idle. He participated in an exhibition in El Paso, Texas. There, he ate 57 hot dogs in only five minutes alongside soldiers. While he expressed satisfaction with that event, he told The Associated Press last month he was “really happy to be back at Coney Island.” Competing on the historic stage holds special significance for him.
Clarifying the Contract Contention
The reason behind Chestnut’s 2024 absence stemmed from a perceived conflict. His deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods caused friction with Nathan’s. Chestnut has offered clarification on the matter. He stated he never appeared in any commercials specifically for Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs. He maintains that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has ever formally worked with commercially. However, he acknowledged that he “should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.” This suggests his communication played a role in the dispute. With the issues now resolved, the focus is back on his performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest world record?
The current world record for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is held by Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. He set the record on July 4, 2021. In that contest, he consumed an incredible 76 hot dogs and buns in the standard 10-minute timeframe. This record broke his previous best and stands as a benchmark in competitive eating.
Where is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held?
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest is held annually in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant. This location is situated on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, a neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. It has been the traditional site for the contest since 1972.
Why wasn’t Joey Chestnut in the Nathan’s contest last year?
Joey Chestnut missed the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest due to a contract dispute. The issue arose from a deal he had with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company. Nathan’s took issue with the arrangement. Chestnut stated the problem was resolved, clearing his return this year. Although absent from Coney Island, he ate 57 hot dogs in a separate exhibition event in El Paso, Texas, last year.
The Stage is Set
Joey Chestnut’s return is the headline story of the upcoming Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July contest. His quest for a 17th title, the challenge posed by defending champion Patrick Bertoletti, and Miki Sudo’s continued dominance in the women’s division all converge on Coney Island. The historic event promises its usual mix of intense competition, unusual techniques, and a vibrant crowd. All eyes will be on “Jaws” as he attempts to add another chapter to his already legendary career. The hot dogs are ready, and the eaters are poised for battle.
