On a scorching Fourth of July at Coney Island, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut made a triumphant return to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, reclaiming his throne as the king of competitive eating. The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, devoured 70 and a half hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, a performance that, while short of his personal world record of 76 set in 2021, was more than enough to secure his 17th title in 20 appearances at the iconic event.
Chestnut's comeback was highly anticipated after a dramatic absence in 2024, when a sponsorship dispute involving Impossible Foods led to his ban from the competition. Instead of competing at Nathan's, Chestnut participated in a Netflix special, "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," where he bested his longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi by consuming an astonishing 83 hot dogs to Kobayashi's 66. Despite this side event success, the Nathan's contest remained the ultimate proving ground, and Chestnut's return to Coney Island was met with roaring enthusiasm from fans, many sporting foam hot dog hats in the sweltering high-80s heat.
The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually since 1972 outside the original Nathan's restaurant on Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, is a beloved American tradition and a celebration of competitive eating culture. Chestnut himself has called it "a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life." This year, he faced a strong field of 14 competitors hailing from across the U.S. and internationally, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, England, and Brazil.
Despite the stiff competition, Chestnut's commanding performance overshadowed last year's men's champion, Patrick Bertoletti, who managed only 46 and a half hot dogs this time around, a significant drop from his 58 consumed in 2024 when Chestnut was absent. Chestnut's dominance in the sport is unparalleled; he first claimed the Nathan's title in 2007 by defeating Kobayashi, held the record until 2014, briefly lost it to Matt Stonie in 2015, and then regained the crown in 2016, holding it through 2023. His 17th win in 2025 adds another chapter to his storied career.
Chestnut expressed his joy at returning to the contest, telling The Associated Press, "I love being here. I'll be back next year." His remarks underscore his ongoing commitment to the sport and to Nathan's, the only hot dog company he has worked with. He clarified that he has never appeared in commercials for Impossible Foods' vegan hot dogs, a point of contention that contributed to his previous ban.
On the women's side, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, continued her remarkable run by securing her 11th Nathan's title. Though she downed 33 hot dogs, a solid performance, it fell short of her record-breaking 51 links consumed in 2024. Sudo bested a dozen American competitors in the women's division, which featured 13 participants. The women's contest kicked off at 10:45 a.m. EST, followed by the men's at noon, both broadcast on ESPN3 and ESPN2 respectively, drawing viewers nationwide.
The contest's format allows competitors to dunk their hot dogs in water to soften them, creating a stomach-churning spectacle that has captivated audiences for decades. Fans braved the heat to witness this annual showdown, a mix of athleticism, strategy, and sheer willpower. The high temperatures added an extra layer of challenge, making Chestnut's and Sudo's performances all the more impressive.
Chestnut's comeback also highlights the evolving landscape of competitive eating, where sponsorships and media appearances play increasingly significant roles. His Netflix special against Kobayashi showcased his showmanship and skill beyond Nathan's, but the Mustard Belt remains the ultimate prize. This year's contest reaffirmed Chestnut's status as the greatest competitive eater in history, a title earned through years of relentless dedication and record-setting feats.
As the sun set over Coney Island, the 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest cemented its place as a fixture of American summer celebrations. With Chestnut back in the fold and Sudo continuing her dominance, fans can look forward to more thrilling battles in the years ahead. The spirit of competition, the roar of the crowd, and the challenge of the hot dog remain as vibrant as ever.
