After a year-long hiatus that left fans wondering if the iconic Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest would ever be the same, Joey Chestnut is back and ready to reclaim his throne. The 16-time champion announced on Monday, June 16, 2025, that he will return to compete in the 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, set for the Fourth of July at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York.
Chestnut’s absence from the 2024 contest was a shock to the competitive eating world. The reigning legend was barred from participating due to a sponsorship dispute involving Impossible Foods, a company specializing in plant-based hot dogs. Nathan's Famous, the contest's namesake and primary sponsor, viewed this affiliation as a direct conflict with their all-beef hot dog brand, leading to Chestnut's ineligibility. This decision ended Chestnut’s bid for a ninth consecutive title and broke his nearly two-decade streak of appearances at the event.
Despite the setback, Chestnut didn't let the Fourth of July pass quietly. In 2024, he took part in an independent hot dog eating event at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he impressively downed 57 hot dogs in five minutes. This feat was just one shy of Patrick Bertoletti's winning total of 58 hot dogs at Nathan's that year, though Bertoletti took twice as long—10 minutes—to achieve his count. Additionally, Chestnut engaged in a high-profile, live-streamed showdown against longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi on Labor Day 2024, where he triumphed with an astounding 83 hot dogs consumed to Kobayashi’s 66.
Monday’s announcement came via Chestnut’s social media channels, where he expressed his excitement and gratitude for returning to the contest. "I'm thrilled to be returning to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," he wrote. "This event means the world to me. It's a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life." He further clarified the nature of his partnerships, stating, "While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan's is the only hot dog company I've ever worked with." Chestnut acknowledged previous misunderstandings, adding, "I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I'm grateful we've been able to find common ground. I'm excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!"
Chestnut’s return was met with enthusiasm from the competitive eating community. Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating, expressed excitement, telling ESPN, "We are extremely excited to welcome Joey back to Coney Island this 4th of July for what will surely be the greatest Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest of all time." George Shea, founder of the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE), which organizes the event, echoed this sentiment in an interview with USA TODAY Sports, stating, "We're very excited to have Joey back and we believe this is going to be the best contest ever."
The 2025 contest is scheduled to kick off with pre-show festivities at 10 a.m., followed by the women's competition at 11 a.m., and the men's competition at 12:30 p.m. The event will take place outside Nathan's flagship restaurant on Coney Island and will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, promising to deliver the excitement to millions of viewers nationwide.
Last year's contest saw Patrick Bertoletti seize the men's title by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, a respectable total but still well short of Chestnut's records. Miki Sudo, the world's top female competitive eater, won the women's competition for the 10th time, setting a new world record by eating 51 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. This year, all eyes will be on the competitors aiming to break these impressive benchmarks, particularly Chestnut, who holds the men’s contest record with 76 hot dogs consumed in 10 minutes, set in 2021.
Chestnut, now 41, has been preparing rigorously for the contest since May 2025. He revealed to USA TODAY Sports that he signed a three-year contract with Nathan's and the IFOCE earlier this month, agreeing to exclusively endorse Nathan's hot dogs during this period. Although he declined to disclose financial details, he mentioned that he continues to work with Impossible Foods in other capacities.
Reflecting on his training and goals, Chestnut said, "It'd be great to make a new record. If I can get close to 80, that'd be amazing." Betting odds for the 2025 contest have yet to be posted at legal sportsbooks in the United States, but Chestnut is expected to be the heavy favorite. Prior to the 2023 contest, he was listed as a -5000 favorite and went on to win by eating 62 hot dogs.
Chestnut’s dominance in competitive eating is unparalleled. Since 2007, he has won 16 of the 17 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contests he entered, a testament to his skill, endurance, and dedication. His rivalry with Kobayashi, who once held the title himself, has been a defining storyline in the sport, elevating the contest's profile and thrilling fans worldwide.
As the countdown to July 4th continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling return to form for Joey Chestnut. Will he reclaim his crown and push the boundaries of competitive eating even further? Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as Chestnut steps back onto the Coney Island stage, ready to celebrate America’s favorite summer tradition with hot dogs in hand.
