CONEY ISLAND, June 17, 2025
Sixteen-time champion joey chestnut will return to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this summer on Coney Island, after being sidelined last year due to a sponsorship conflict.
A Champion’s Return
Joey Chestnut, the undisputed king of competitive eating, is back on the menu for the annual Coney Island spectacle.
- Joey Chestnut,the 16-time champion,is returning to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
- He was previously banned due to a sponsorship conflict with a plant-based food company.
- Chestnut holds 55 world records in competitive eating.
The world of competitive eating is about to get a whole lot tastier. Joey Chestnut, the man, the myth, the legend, is ready to dominate again. After a one-year hiatus,Chestnut is set to return to the Coney Island stage for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. This news is sure to bring joy to fans of the Fourth of July tradition.
Sixteen-time champion Joey Chestnut poses after his 2021 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest victory on Coney Island.He returns to the stage this summer after being banned last year.
Chestnut has been a mainstay at the July 4th event as 2007, where he began an extraordinary winning streak.
What’s the Story?
Chestnut’s return is a major win for the event, given his long-standing dominance. In 2021, he devoured 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes, earning a Guinness World Record. He holds a staggering 55 world records, showcasing his prowess in various competitive eating disciplines.
Did you know? Chestnut’s competitive eating feats extend beyond hot dogs. He’s conquered everything from gumbo to turkey!
Last year, however, Chestnut was notably absent. Major League Eating (MLE) banned him from the competition. This was due to a conflict with a rival brand. Chestnut had signed with Unachievable Foods, a company producing plant-based meat substitutes.
Joey Chestnut (right) holds a gold belt after winning the Fort Bliss hot dog contest, as the Impossible Foods CEO holds a giant check onstage.
Chestnut stated at the time that he did not have a contract with Nathan’s or MLE, accusing the organizers of “looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with” and depriving “the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.”
The Road to Coney Island
After the ban,Chestnut staged his own competition at the Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso,Texas.He even competed in a Labor Day rematch against his long-time rival, Takeru Kobayashi. He consumed an astounding 83 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, surpassing his own record.
How did Chestnut get back?
chestnut and the organizers have reached an agreement, finding “common ground.” “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 stated. “To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
Major League Eating confirmed Chestnut’s return to the hallowed stage. MLE cofounder George Shea stated that, “Major League Eating is extremely excited that Joey will be returning to the 4th of july event this year, and it literally will be the greatest sporting event in the history of sports.”
joey Chestnut lifts his fist in excitement onstage, in his Unfinished Beef jersey.
chestnut has started preparing for the competition. In a 2021 video, he said he begins training around the end of April, involving multiple practice contests to get ready for the real thing.
What makes Joey Chestnut the greatest eater? the statistics speak for themselves.Chestnut’s dedication to the sport and his ability to push past the feeling of fullness have made him a legend. Shea anticipates an exciting competition between Chestnut and Patrick Bertoletti, the reigning champion.
Patrick Bertoletti celebrates winning the men’s title with a score of 58 during the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating competition.
A Quick Ketchup on the Contest
The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest allegedly began on July 4, 1916, when four immigrants engaged in a patriotic hot dog-eating contest. In the 1990s, Richard and George Shea boosted the event’s popularity, transforming it into a major spectacle. The real turning point came in 2001, when Takeru Kobayashi entered the scene, setting a new record and bringing the sport global recognition.
The event now draws an estimated 40,000 attendees and hundreds of thousands of viewers. ESPN broadcasts the contest live, with champions receiving $10,000 and a mustard belt.
Training Like a Champ: Chestnut’s Preparation
Joey Chestnut, the returning champion, is a master of preparation. His dedication to the sport is a major factor in his continued success. while many may wonder how such a feat is even possible, it’s all in the training-and the mental fortitude.
According to Chestnut, the serious training for the Nathan’s Famous hot Dog Eating Contest typically begins around the end of April. This intense regimen, as mentioned earlier, includes multiple practise contests, designed to condition his body and hone his technique.The goal? To get back on top.
Chestnut’s training isn’t just about eating; it’s a comprehensive strategy. This involves:
- Building Capacity: Gradually increasing the amount of hot dogs and buns consumed in practice sessions.
- Perfecting Technique: refining his signature techniques, like the “split and dip” approach-breaking the bun and dipping the hot dog in water.
- Mental Toughness: Developing the ability to block out discomfort; the feeling of being full is a hurdle.
Chestnut’s training is a testament to his commitment. He views each practice session as critical. He pushes his limits, fine-tuning the skills that have made him a legend.
Did you know? Chestnut’s training also includes a strategic approach to hydration and pacing. It’s a marathon, but done in minutes, which requires remarkable conditioning.
So, how does Chestnut manage to consume so many hot dogs? His method involves more than just a big appetite. He’s strategic: breaking the buns in half,dipping the hot dogs in water,and mastering the art of rapid-fire consumption. This is what helped him become the most well-known competitive eater of all time.
Will the Break Affect Chestnut?
It is reasonable to consider whether Chestnut’s absence last year would present a disadvantage. It remains to be seen. However, Chestnut is a highly experienced competitor. His years of training and previous successes will make him a strong candidate at this year’s contest.
Reader question: – How does Chestnut’s approach to training differ from other competitive eaters?
Competitive eating is a sport that requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills. Chestnut’s approach is methodical, emphasizing strategic eating and mental focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Chestnut train year-round?
A: While he ramps up his specific hot dog training closer to the contest, Chestnut generally maintains a consistent approach to his fitness to prepare for competitions throughout the year, according to sources.
Q: What is the most hot dogs Chestnut has ever eaten?
A: In 2021, Joey Chestnut set a new world record by eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes during the Nathan’s famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Q: Beyond physical preparation, how does Chestnut approach the mental game?
A: Chestnut focuses on mental fortitude; including a focused approach and the ability to endure discomfort is essential for victory.
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