Competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut reclaimed his title at Nathan’s annual Hot Dog Eating Contest following a one-year ban from the competition.
During the Fourth of July event at the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, New York, the 41-year-old consumed a whopping 70 ½ hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
“I wish I ate a couple more. Sorry guys,” Chestnut told the crowd after winning his 17th title. “I’ll be back next year. I’m just happy I’m here, and happy Fourth of July.”
Despite the impressive number, Chestnut fell short of his 2021 record when he ate 76 hot dogs and buns. It was his seventh time beating the 70 mark and 20th Nathan’s appearance.
Last year, Chestnut was barred from the competition due to a sponsorship dispute with a rival brand of Nathan’s.
He struck a deal with Impossible Foods, a vegan company that offers plant-based substitutes for meat products. Without Chestnut there, Patrick Bertoletti took home the mustard belt by eating 58 hot dogs.
“I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I’m banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest,” he wrote on X at the time.
“I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.”
Last month, Chestnut eagerly announced his return after finding a “common ground” with sponsorships, ultimately signing a three-year contract with Nathan’s.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” he wrote 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.”
“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,” he added.
“To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
Bertoletti came in second place for the 2025 men’s title, finishing with 46 ½ hot dogs and buns, while Miki Sudo won the women’s division for the 11th time, eating 33 hot dogs and buns.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held at Coney Island since 1972, coinciding with the Independence Day holiday. The contest offers a total prize purse of $40,000 split equally between the two divisions.
