Joey Chestnut, known as the hot dog eating champion, is back for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition after a year away. Last year, he was unable to compete because he signed a deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes plant-based hot dogs, which led to his ban from the event. However, Chestnut announced his return last month, expressing his excitement for the competition.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut said. He views this event as a significant part of his life and a celebration of American culture.
Despite missing the 2024 competition, Chestnut still holds an impressive 55 world records in various eating contests. These include eating 121 Twinkies in six minutes and 390 shrimp wontons in eight minutes. His most famous achievement remains consuming 76 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. He has won the coveted “Mustard Belt” 16 times since 2008, far surpassing his closest competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, who has six titles.
Chestnut’s absence last year was a big topic in the eating contest community. Major League Eating, the organization that oversees the competition, expressed disappointment over his decision to partner with a rival brand. They released a statement saying they were devastated by his choice, emphasizing the significance of his participation in the contest.
During his time away from Nathan’s, Chestnut set a new record by eating 14.4 pounds of Buffalo Wild Wings in one sitting, showcasing his continued prowess in competitive eating.
Patrick Bertoletti, who won last year’s contest with 58 hot dogs, has voiced his concerns about Chestnut’s return. In a recent interview, he stated that his goal is to outperform last year’s performance, and Chestnut’s presence adds pressure to the competition.
Major League Eating celebrated Chestnut’s comeback, calling him a legend and encouraging fans to watch him compete again. The stakes are high, with the winner of this year’s contest set to receive $10,000, while the runner-up will take home $5,000 and third place will earn $2,500.
As excitement builds for the competition, online betting markets show that fans give Chestnut a 90% chance of winning. However, opinions are mixed on whether he will break his own record of 76 hot dogs.
With the competition approaching, all eyes will be on Chestnut as he aims to reclaim his title and add to his remarkable legacy in the world of competitive eating.