Joey Chestnut, legend of competitive food, announced on Monday that he returned to the famous Hot-Dogs consumption competition in Nathan after a one-year interruption of the annual event of July 4.
Chestnut, the 16 times champion, missed the event last year due to a dispute with the major league by eating its sponsorship agreement with impossible Foods, a company that manufactures plants based on plants.
“I am delighted to return to the famous Hot-Dogs restoration competition of July 4 of Nathan,” wrote Chestnut on X. “This event means the world for me. It is a expensive tradition, a celebration of American culture and a large part of my life.”
I am delighted to go back to the famous Hot-Dog restoration competition on July 4 of Nathan. This event means the world for me. It is a darling tradition, a celebration of American culture and a large part of my life. (1/3)
– Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 16, 2025
Chestnut added that he continued to associate with companies in “plant-based space”, but these relationships were never conflict with his “love for hot dogs”.
“I am delighted to be back on the stage of CONEY Island, to do what I live and to celebrate on July 4 with hot dogs in my hands!” He wrote. “Stay hungry!”
The president of the major league, Richard Shea, told ESPN in an email that the competition is “extremely excited to welcome Joey to Coney Island this July 4 for what will surely be the biggest Nathan Hot-Dog restoration competition of all time”.
Patrick Bertoletti killed 58 hot dogs and breads in 10 minutes to win the male competition last year, while Miki Sudo ate 51 hot dogs and breads to win the female title. Chestnut has the competition record with 76 hot dogs and breads in 2021.
This year’s event will take place on July 4 in Coney Island in New York and will be broadcast on ESPN platforms.
