He’s top dog once again.
Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut reclaimed his crown at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in a triumphant return to the Fourth of July tradition after sitting out last year due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.
At 41, Chestnut devoured an astonishing 70.5 hot dogs in front of a roaring crowd at Coney Island on Friday, securing the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time. Though impressive, his total fell short of the 76 hot dogs he ate to set the competition’s record back in 2021.
Joey Chestnut was declared the winner of this year’s contest after devouring 70.5 hot dogs.
“Man, I wish I could’ve eaten a few more. I’m sorry, guys,” Chestnut said after the scarf-fest. “My goal was 70 to 77 — I really wanted a little bit more.”
“But yeah, I’ll be back next year,” he added. “I’m just happy to be here, and happy Fourth of July.”
“I’ll be back next year,” Chestnut said. “I’m just happy to be here, and happy Fourth of July.”
Joey Chestnut made his eagerly awaited return after being excluded from the 2024 contest due to his deal with Impossible Foods, which recently launched a plant-based hot dog.
Patrick Bertoletti, who dominated last July 4 in Chestnut’s absence, fell far short this year, consuming only 46.5 hot dogs and buns.
Last year, Bertoletti ate 58 hot dogs and buns, becoming the first person since 2015 not named Chestnut to win Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Chestnut devoured an impressive 70.5 hot dogs, reclaiming the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time.
“I love this event. I was willing to keep talking, and I’m happy we figured it out,” Chestnut said about the dispute with Major League Eating.
At Thursday’s weigh-in, the top dog said last year’s dispute wouldn’t hold him back.
“We didn’t burn any bridges. I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I’m happy we figured it out,” Chestnut said.
His fans were just as excited.
Signs at Coney Island on Friday read, “Joey Chestnut, come take a spin on the Cyclone, baby! Coney Island misses you,” and “Joey Chestnut, I want to have your baby.”
When Major League Eating event organizer George Shea declared, “Joey Chestnut is back,” the crowd erupted in cheers.
