On a bright and bustling Fourth of July at Coney Island, Brooklyn, the 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest unfolded with all the drama and excitement fans have come to expect from this storied Independence Day tradition. After a one-year absence due to a sponsorship dispute, Joey Chestnut made a triumphant return to the contest, reclaiming his throne as the undisputed king of competitive eating. Chestnut, 41, devoured an impressive 70.5 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute showdown, securing his 17th Nathan's title and thrilling the crowd with his dominant performance.
While Chestnut's total fell short of his own world record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021, his commanding lead was undeniable. He finished 24 hot dogs ahead of runner-up Patrick Bertoletti, the 2024 champion who consumed 46.5 hot dogs and buns. James Webb rounded out the men's podium with 45.5 hot dogs. Chestnut's return was eagerly anticipated after he was sidelined last year due to a sponsorship conflict involving Impossible Foods, a plant-based competitor to Nathan's. In June 2025, Chestnut signed a new three-year contract with Nathan's, clearing the path for his comeback and setting the stage for a memorable battle.
"I was excited, I love being here. Man, I wish I ate a couple more, I'm sorry guys, but I'll be back next year," Chestnut told ESPN after the contest, reflecting his competitive spirit and hunger for future victories. His strategy, revealed during a pre-contest TODAY show appearance, was straightforward: "Meat first, then a wet bun," he said. Chestnut noted the importance of fresh buns, explaining, "They're not fast buns. You want fast buns." This tactical approach helped him build an early lead, eating 11 hot dogs in the first minute and 30 by the three-minute mark, putting pressure on the field from the outset.
Patrick Bertoletti, who seized the title in Chestnut's absence last year with a 58-hot dog performance, acknowledged the difference this year. "It felt great last year. I never thought I'd ever win Nathan's, the contest, but it didn't feel complete without Joey there, so he's back this year and it's better," Bertoletti said. Chestnut, meanwhile, expressed a mix of respect and fierce determination: "Part of me wishes [Bertoletti] was a jerk. It would motivate me harder, but I love him. But I wanna win. I wanna push for a record, so I kinda feel bad for him. 'Cause I'm gonna drop the hammer, and he's gonna get annihilated." The friendly rivalry added an extra layer of excitement to the contest.
On the women's side, Miki Sudo once again demonstrated why she is the queen of Nathan's. The 39-year-old from Tampa, Florida, consumed 33 hot dogs and buns to claim her 11th title in 11 tries, extending her dominance despite falling short of her own world record of 51 hot dogs set in 2024. Sudo's performance was well ahead of runner-up Michelle Lesco, who managed 22.75 hot dogs, and Domenica Dee, who finished third with 21.5 hot dogs in her Nathan's debut.
Reflecting on her showing, Sudo admitted, "I feel like I let the fans down a little bit. I had people in the crowd saying go for 52, and obviously I'm always setting my goals high. But the hot dogs just weren't cooperating. For some reason the buns felt larger today." Despite the lower total compared to her record, Sudo's competitive fire remained unquenched. "I guess I refuse to lose," she said. "I refuse to give in. And even when I do stumble, I get right back up." Her resilience and consistency have made her a fixture in the contest's history.
The 2025 contest featured 15 men and 13 women vying for the prestigious Mustard Yellow Belt and a share of the $40,000 prize purse. First-place winners in both divisions earned $10,000, with second and third places receiving $5,000 and $2,500 respectively. The event, which has been managed by Major League Eating since 1997, continues to uphold strict rules: competitors have 10 minutes to consume as many Nathan's Famous hot dogs and buns as possible, with no utensils allowed and regurgitation resulting in disqualification. Dunking buns in beverages for up to five seconds is permitted, adding a tactical element to the contest.
Since its official inception in 1972 at Nathan's flagship stand in Coney Island, the contest has grown into a beloved Independence Day tradition, drawing over 40,000 spectators annually and nearly two million viewers on ESPN broadcasts. ESPN has aired the event since 2004 and recently extended its partnership through 2029, ensuring the contest's place in the American summer sports calendar. This year, ESPN enhanced the viewing experience by introducing dedicated cams for Chestnut and Sudo, allowing fans an intimate look at their championship performances.
Chestnut's legacy is unparalleled, with 17 titles and a world record that has stood since 2021. His streaks of eight consecutive wins from 2007 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2023 underscore his dominance. Similarly, Sudo has carved out her place as the top female competitor, with 11 titles and a record-setting 51 hot dogs in 2024. Their rivalry and repeated successes have helped elevate the contest's profile and competitive intensity.
The 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Joey Chestnut's return and victory reaffirmed his status as the sport's GOAT, while Miki Sudo's continued reign emphasized her remarkable consistency and competitive spirit. As the sun set over Coney Island, fans left buzzing about the thrilling performances and already anticipating next year's showdown, where Chestnut hinted at pushing even harder to reclaim his record.
