The Fourth of July tradition in Coney Island delivered a headline-grabbing moment this year: Joey <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/07/05/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-results-miki-sudo-wins-11th-title-but-falls-short-of-record-on-tough-day/” title=”Breaking: Miki Sudo Wins 11th Nathan's Hot Dog Title”>chestnut is back on top. After a controversial ban in 2024, the legendary competitive eater returned to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, reclaiming his title with a dominant performance. While he didn’t break his own world record, Chestnut secured his astonishing 17th win, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time in the sport. The women’s division also saw a familiar champion return, with Miki Sudo earning her 11th pink belt.
The Return of a Legend: Joey Chestnut’s Comeback
Fans flocked to Coney Island on Friday, July 4, 2025, eager to witness the return of competitive eating icon Joey Chestnut. Just one year prior, Chestnut, a 16-time champion heading into 2024, was barred from the Nathan’s contest. The reason? A sponsorship conflict stemming from his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company specializing in plant-based protein products. Major League Eating, the governing body for the event, maintains rules preventing participants from promoting rival food brands.
The ban sent shockwaves through the competitive eating world and disappointed fans who view Chestnut as synonymous with the holiday tradition. However, weeks before the 2025 contest, news broke that “common ground” had been reached between Chestnut and Nathan’s organizers. A new three-year contract signed in June paved the way for his triumphant comeback to the iconic corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. The atmosphere was electric, described by observers as “raucous,” with the crowd roaring in anticipation and support for their returning hero.
Dominating the Men’s Competition
Stepping up to the table at 41 years old, Joey Chestnut showed no signs of slowing down, despite acknowledging that competing post-40 feels different. He quickly established a commanding lead over the field. Over the intense 10-minute competition, he managed to consume a staggering 70.5 hot dogs and buns. This impressive tally was more than enough to secure the victory, placing him far ahead of the pack.
Last year’s champion, Patrick Bertoletti, who won with 58 hot dogs in Chestnut’s absence, finished in second place this year. Bertoletti consumed 46.5 hot dogs and buns, a significant 24 hot dog deficit behind Chestnut. Other top male competitors included James Webb in third place with 45.5, Geoff Esper eating 43.875, and Nick Wehry (husband of Miki Sudo) finishing with 41.75.
A Run for the Record, but No New Mark
Leading up to the event, Chestnut reportedly harbored hopes of breaking his own world record of 76 hot dogs and buns, set back in 2021. To be on pace for a new record, he estimated needing around 48 to 50 hot dogs by the halfway mark. While he started strong, eating 11 in the first minute and 30 by the three-minute mark, he reached the five-minute point with 46 dogs consumed, just slightly behind his target pace.
His pace slowed somewhat in the second half, leading to his final total of 70.5. After the contest, Chestnut expressed a touch of disappointment about not reaching his highest potential. “Man, I wish I could have ate a couple more,” he told reporters. “My goal was 70 to 77 — I really wanted a little bit more.” Despite falling short of his record, he was clearly thrilled to be back competing and winning. He acknowledged that breaking records will become increasingly challenging but vowed to “figure it out” and promised the crowd, “I’ll be back next year.” Bertoletti himself commented that while winning last year felt great, having Chestnut back made the 2025 contest feel “complete.”
Miki Sudo Continues Her Reign
The women’s division saw its own champion maintain dominance. Miki Sudo, aged 39, secured her 11th victory at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. This win marks her 11th title in 11 appearances at the event in Coney Island, solidifying her undefeated streak when she competes.
Sudo consumed 33 hot dogs and buns during the 10-minute competition. While this total was comfortably enough to earn her the coveted pink belt, it was significantly lower than her personal and the women’s world record of 51 hot dogs and buns, which she set during the 2024 contest. Sudo expressed some disappointment with her score, speculating that perhaps the buns felt larger or the hot dogs “just weren’t cooperating” on the day. Despite the lower-than-usual total compared to her record-breaking performance last year, Sudo emphasized her competitive drive. “I guess I refuse to lose,” she stated. “And even when I do stumble, I get right back up.”
Miki Sudo faced initial close competition from Michelle Lesco and Domenica Dee in the early stages of the women’s contest. Lesco finished in second place with 22.75 hot dogs and buns. Domenica Dee, making her debut in the event, secured third place with 21.5 hot dogs. Michelle Lesco is a former champion herself, having won the contest in 2021 when Sudo was unable to compete due to pregnancy.
The Event and Its Environment
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is a quintessential Fourth of July spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators to Coney Island each year. The event has a long history, dating back to at least 1916 according to some accounts, though its modern official iteration began in 1972. Competitors, 15 men and 13 women this year, vie for the title and a share of the $40,000 total prize purse, with winners in each division receiving $10,000.
The rules are strict: participants have 10 minutes to consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible. Utensils and condiments are strictly prohibited. Competitors are allowed to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages and often dunk their buns for a few seconds in water to make them easier to swallow. The hot dog and bun must both be fully swallowed for it to count towards the total. Regurgitation results in immediate disqualification. This year’s competition was held under sweltering conditions, with temperatures reaching the high 80s, potentially impacting the competitors’ ability to reach peak performance.
Beyond the Table: Context and Noteworthy Moments
Joey Chestnut’s year away from Nathan’s wasn’t idle. He remained active in competitive eating, notably participating in a highly anticipated hot dog eating competition against long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi. This private event, which aired on Netflix, saw Chestnut consume an impressive 83 hot dogs, setting an unofficial personal best that far surpassed his Nathan’s record and Kobayashi’s tally of 66. This demonstrated his continued peak form despite the absence from the marquee Fourth of July event.
The Nathan’s contest also sometimes becomes a platform for protest. This year, animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) made their presence known. PETA representatives, including activists dressed as “Tommy Tofu,” were on-site distributing hundreds of free vegan hot dogs to attendees. Their goal was to encourage spectators to choose “animal-friendly” options and advocate for vegan eating, questioning support for “slaughterhouses.”
This isn’t the first time the event has seen disruption. In 2022, protesters briefly rushed the stage. In a memorable moment from that year, Joey Chestnut himself, competing with a leg injury, physically intervened, putting one protester in a headlock. While he still won that year, he later claimed the interruption cost him several hot dogs. PETA also previously used a truck near the site in 2023 to promote veganism. These instances highlight the cultural weight and visibility of the Nathan’s contest, attracting attention from various groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joey Chestnut banned from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Joey Chestnut was barred from the 2024 contest due to a conflict related to his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based protein company. The rules of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, governed by Major League Eating, prohibit participants from promoting rival food brands, which was the core issue in the dispute. He reached an agreement with Nathan’s in June 2025, signing a new contract that allowed his return.
How many hot dogs did Joey Chestnut eat to win the 2025 contest?
In the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Joey Chestnut ate an official total of 70.5 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute competition. This score was more than enough to secure his victory, placing him significantly ahead of the second-place finisher, Patrick Bertoletti, who consumed 46.5 hot dogs and buns. Chestnut’s winning total was just short of his personal and the official contest record of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021.
Did any other top competitive eaters perform well, like Miki Sudo or Patrick Bertoletti?
Yes, both Miki Sudo and Patrick Bertoletti were prominent competitors in the 2025 contest. Miki Sudo won the women’s division, securing her 11th title by eating 33 hot dogs and buns. Patrick Bertoletti, who was the defending champion from the 2024 contest, finished in second place in the men’s division with 46.5 hot dogs and buns. While both top eaters won their respective competitions, neither broke their personal best records.
Conclusion
The 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest delivered on the anticipation surrounding Joey Chestnut’s return. After a year away, the undisputed king of competitive eating reclaimed his throne, winning his 17th Mustard Belt with a powerful performance of 70.5 hot dogs. While the scorching heat likely hindered record-breaking attempts for many, including Chestnut and women’s champion Miki Sudo, who secured her 11th win, the event remained a thrilling Fourth of July spectacle. Chestnut’s successful negotiation to return underscores his commitment to the sport and this iconic event. Despite his age and the increasing challenge of pushing his limits, Chestnut has already promised to compete again next year, ensuring the legend continues at Coney Island.
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