Joey Chestnut, the legendary competitive eater, is preparing for a triumphant return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025, which will be held on Coney Island. After missing the 2024 competition due to sponsorship conflicts with Impossible Foods, Chestnut has reached an agreement with the contest organizers on sponsorships, allowing him to compete again. The event, a cornerstone of American summer traditions, will be held on July 4th, with the women’s contest starting at 10:45 a.m. ET and the men’s competition at noon.
Chestnut, a five-time winner of the event, is considered a heavy favorite to reclaim his title. Sports betting lines indicate that no other competitor is close to challenging him, with last year’s winner, Patrick Bertoletti, being a long shot to secure victory. Bertoletti, who ate 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes last year, faces steep odds against Chestnut, who aims to extend his record for the famous contest to 17 yellow belts.
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo, who has won three times in a row, is expected to claim her 11th pink belt. Her biggest competition will be Domenica Dee and Michelle Lesco, the latter of whom snapped Sudo’s win streak in 2021. The contest is held under strict rules, with a 10-minute time limit for both genders, and the winner is determined by the number of hot dogs and buns consumed. In case of a tie, an ‘eat-off’ may be necessary, where the first contestant to eat a set number of hot dogs, along with their buns, wins.
The last time an eat-off occurred was in 2008, where Chestnut won by eating five hot dogs and buns in 50 seconds. Chestnut’s return is also marked by a personal statement on X, where he expressed his deep connection to the event and the American culture it represents. He emphasized that his partnership with various companies, including those in the plant-based space, does not conflict with his love for hot dogs. Chestnut also clarified that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has ever worked with, a statement that underscores his dedication to the contest.
The competition is not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of American culture and traditions. As an iconic event, it draws thousands of spectators and has become a symbol of both competitive eating and national pride. Chestnut’s return adds to the excitement, with the potential for an unprecedented record and a thrilling showdown against the best in the field.