Joey Chestnut returning to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest after 2024 ban
Coney Island's top dog is back for the Fourth of July feast. Joey Chestnut — the undisputed titan of competitive eating — announced Monday that he will return to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025.
Chestnut, often referred to as the Michael Jordan of hot dog eating, was banned from the 2024 event due to a sponsorship conflict involving a plant-based meat brand. That decision ended his bid for a ninth straight title. In response, Chestnut squared off against his longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a head-to-head hot dog eating contest on Labor Day, which aired on Netflix. Chestnut dominated, devouring a staggering 83 hot dogs to Kobayashi's 67 for a personal best and unofficial world record.
Now, the 16-time Nathan's champion is back — and he's hungry to reclaim his throne.
I'm thrilled to be returning to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It's a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life. (1/3)
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 16, 2025
Chestnut explained his absence from last year's competition in a post on X on Monday.
'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,' Chestnut said. 'To be clear: Nathan's is the only hot dog company I've ever worked with.'
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He added that his 2024 absence stemmed from a miscommunication that has since been resolved. 'I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I'm grateful we've been able to find common ground,' Chestnut added. '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!'
With Chestnut sidelined last year, Patrick Bertoletti claimed the victory by eating 58 hot dogs. Chestnut's 2023 winning total was 62, while his Nathan's record still stands at a staggering 76 hot dogs, set in 2021.
With the spotlight back on Coney Island, all eyes will be on Chestnut to see if he can deliver another legendary Fourth of July performance.
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