Joey Chestnut returns: Nathan’s hot Dog eating contest 2025 preview

The sizzling summer spectacle is officially back on! After a year-long hiatus, the undisputed king of competitive eating, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, is making his triumphant return to the iconic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This year’s event promises to be hotter than ever as Chestnut aims to reclaim his coveted Mustard Belt and add a remarkable 17th title to his legendary career.

Last year’s contest felt the palpable absence of Chestnut, who was controversially banned due to a sponsorship deal promoting plant-based wieners from a rival brand. The competitive eating world was “gutted,” as Chestnut himself put it. Major League Eating (MLE) impresario George Shea famously likened the conflict to Michael Jordan endorsing Adidas, highlighting the strict brand exclusivity crucial to the Nathan’s event.

But the wait is over! After serving his one-year suspension, “Jaws” is ready to sink his teeth back into the competition. “I’m thrilled to be returning,” Chestnut, 41, shared on X. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.” He clarified the past controversy, stating, “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. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”

George Shea, the flamboyant mastermind behind the annual Coney Island extravaganza, welcomed Chestnut’s return with characteristic grandeur. “There’s more excitement now he’s back,” Shea stated, predicting a “triumphant and explosive” entrance for the champion.

The Legendary Reign of Joey Chestnut: Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Year-by-Year

Joey Chestnut has truly become synonymous with the Fourth of July in Coney Island. Except for his 2024 absence, he has participated in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest every year since 2005, dominating the field for nearly two decades. He has downed well over 1,000 hot dogs during his career and crossed the incredible 70-dog plateau a whopping six times!

Beyond the Buns: Joey Chestnut’s Other Mind-Boggling World Records

While he’s best known for his hot dog dominance, Joey Chestnut’s eating expertise extends far beyond just wieners. He holds over 50 world records across a staggering array of foods, showcasing his versatility and incredible capacity. Here are some of his all-time record-breaking feasting feats, according to Major League Eating:

• Apple pie: 4.375 3-pound pies, 8 minutes
• Asparagus: 12 lbs. 8.75 oz., 10 minutes
• Bologna: slices, 15.75 lbs., 8 minutes
• Boysenberry pie: 14.5 lbs., 8 minutes
• Brain tacos: 54, 8 minutes
• Burritos: long form, 14.5 lbs., 10 minutes
• Canteen sandwiches: 28.5, 10 minutes
• Carnitas tacos: 82 2-ounce tacos, 8 minutes
• Cheesesteak egg rolls: 46, 8 minutes
• Cherry pie: 17.5 lbs., 8 minutes
• Chicken wings: long form, 182, 30 minutes
• Corned beef sandwiches: 20 8-ounce sandwiches, 10 minutes
• Croquetas: 185, 8 minutes
• Eggs: 141 hard-boiled, 8 minutes
• Fish tacos: 30 6-ounce tacos, 5 minutes
• Funnel cake: 5.9 lbs., 10 minutes
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: 47, 10 minutes
• Gumbo: 15 16-ounce bowls, 8 minutes
• Gyros: 30 8-ounce gyros, 10 minutes
• Gyoza: 384, 10 minutes
• H-E-B True Texas beef brisket BBQ sandwiches: 27, 10 minutes
• Hamburgers, Krystals: 103, 8 minutes
• Horseshoe sandwiches: 6 lbs., 5 oz. of sandwiches, 12 minutes
• Hostess Donettes: 257, 6 minutes
• Hot dogs: 76, 10 minutes (Nathan’s Contest record)
• Ice cream sandwiches: 25.5, 6 minutes
• Jalapeno poppers: 118, 10 minutes
• Kolache Factory Kolaches: 56, 8 minutes
• Meat pies: 23, 10 minutes
• Mutton sandwiches: 81, 10 minutes
• Pastrami: 25 sandwiches, 10 minutes
• Pepperoni rolls: 43, 10 minutes
• Philly cheesesteaks: 23, 10 minutes
• Pierogi: 165, 8 minutes
• Pizza Hut P’Zones: 7.5, 10 minutes
• Pork ribs: 13.76 lbs., 12 minutes
• Pork roll sandwiches: 4 oz., 61.5 10 minutes
• Pork, pulled: 9 lbs., 6 oz. smoked, 10 minutes
• Pork, pulled sandwiches: 45, 10 minutes
• Pork, pulled sliders: 62, 10 minutes
• Poutine: 28 lbs., 10 minutes
• Ramen noodles (short form): 10 cups, 1 minute, 50 seconds
• Salt potatoes: 13 lbs., 10 minutes
• San Pedro Fish Market shrimp: 7 lbs., 8 minutes
• Shrimp cocktail: 21 lbs., 8 minutes
• Shrimp wontons: 390, 8 minutes
• Tacos: 53 soft beef tacos, 10 minutes
• Tacos: 126 traditional tortilla tacos, 8 minutes
• Tamales: 102, 12 minutes
• Turkey (whole): 9.35 lbs., 10 minutes
• Twinkies: 121, 6 minutes
• Two-foot pizza slice: 6.5, 10 minutes
• Waffles, Eggo-style: 81, 8 minutes
• White Hut Cheeseburgers: 52, 10 minutes

The Road to Redemption: Can Chestnut Reclaim His Crown?

In Chestnut’s absence last year, Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti claimed the Mustard Belt with 58 hot dogs. Now, the stage is set for an epic showdown. Betting circles are heavily favouring Chestnut to come back strong and potentially even surpass his event record of 76 hot dogs.

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, a Fourth of July tradition watched by tens of thousands in person and an estimated 2 million on ESPN, is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of American culture and, as Shea puts it, “happiness.” The drama, the spectacle, and the sheer human will on display make it a must-watch event.

Tune In to Witness History!

Don’t miss the chance to see if Joey “Jaws” Chestnut can once again dominate Coney Island and solidify his legacy as the ultimate hot dog-eating champion. The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest promises thrills, spills, and an unforgettable display of competitive eating.