Wiener king Joey Chestnut reclaims title at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut was once again crowned champion of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in his triumphant return to the Fourth of July competition after skipping last year due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.
6 Joey Chestnut during the 2025 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
ESPN
6 Joey Chestnut during the 2025 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, at Coney Island, Brooklyn in New York City.
ESPN
6 Chestnut skipped last year's competition due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.
ESPN
6 Joey Chestnut's name is placed before the men's competition at Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City.
Getty Images
Chestnut, 41, scarfed down an incredulous 71 hot dogs in front of a raucous crowd in Coney Island on Friday and reclaimed the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time.
Chestnut made his eagerly-awaited return after he was bounced from the contest in 2024 over his deal with Impossible Foods, which had recently launched a plant-based hot dog.
At his weigh-in Thursday, the top dog said last year's beef wouldn't hold him back.
'We didn't burn any bridges. I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I'm happy we figured it out,' he said of the dust-up with Major League Eating.
6 Chestnut made his eagerly-awaited return after he was bounced from the contest in 2024 over his deal with Impossible Foods.
Paul Martinka
6 Chestnut's personal record is gulping down 76 dogs in 10 minutes.
EMILY MARTINKA
Chestnut dethroned reigning champ Patrick Bertoletti, who scarfed down 58 dogs and buns and became the first person since 2015 not named Chestnut to win the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition.
Chestnut's personal record is gulping down 76 dogs in 10 minutes.
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