Joey Chestnut Reclaims Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Title in Patriotic Independence Day Return [WATCH]

Joey Chestnut made a triumphant return to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day, reclaiming his title and earning his 17th Mustard Belt in front of thousands of cheering fans at Coney Island, as reported by The New York Post.

Chestnut, 41, consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes on Friday, defeating 14 competitors in the annual Fourth of July competition.

Although he fell short of breaking his own record of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021, Chestnut’s return to the contest after a one-year absence drew a standing ovation and chants from an energized crowd.

Sorry LeBron, Serena, Brady, Phelps but Joey Chestnut is America’s greatest living athlete. pic.twitter.com/qlFO0ixBys

— David Dukeakis (@daviddukeakis) July 3, 2025

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The Indiana native missed the 2024 contest due to a dispute over his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which had recently launched a plant-based hot dog.

That agreement made him ineligible under Major League Eating rules at the time. Chestnut confirmed that tensions with organizers had cooled.

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“We didn’t burn any bridges. I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I’m happy we figured it out,” Chestnut said during Thursday’s weigh-in.

Chestnut’s performance thrilled fans who had been anticipating his return. “Man, I wish I didn’t need a couple more. I’m sorry guys,” he said after the contest. “My goal was 70-77 — I really wanted a little bit more.”

JOEY CHESTNUT’S DOMINANCE CONTINUES

Chestnut downs 70.5 hot dogs to win his 17th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest title pic.twitter.com/B3TMBrayZ7

— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2025

Patrick Bertoletti, who won in Chestnut’s absence last year by eating 58 hot dogs, came in second this time with 46.5. No other competitor came close to challenging Chestnut’s dominance.

The crowd at Coney Island’s boardwalk included supporters from around the country. Susan Solis, 61, traveled from Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband for their 11th anniversary.

“I said I wanted to spend the Fourth of July in Coney Island and watch Joey win,” she told The Post.

In the women’s division, reigning champion Miki Sudo defended her title with 33 hot dogs consumed. Sudo, who holds the women’s record of 51 from 2023, earned her 11th title. Michelle Lesco placed second with 22.75, and newcomer Domenica Dee came in third with 21.5.

Chestnut hinted he plans to return next year. “I know it’s going to keep getting harder and harder to break records — I’ll figure it out,” he said.

The contest, officially launched in 1972, has become an annual spectacle on the Fourth of July, drawing large crowds and millions of viewers nationwide. The event is organized by Major League Eating and held at the original Nathan’s location on Surf and Stillwell Avenues.

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