Top Dog Joey Chestnut Returning to Nathan’s July 4 Chow Down on Coney Island

Posted on: June 16, 2025, 11:48h. 

Last updated on: June 16, 2025, 12:35h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • Joey Chestnut is returning for the Nathan’s July 4 hot dog eating contest
  • Chestnut is considered the greatest competitive eater of all time
  • Chestnut skipped the 2024 event because of a conflict of interest

The champ will be there. Joey Chestnut, the GOAT of competitive eating, most famed for his 16 wins at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, is returning to Coney Island in hopes of a 17th title.

Joey Chestnut Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut stuffs his mouth with hot dogs during the men’s competition of Nathan’s Famous July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2019, in New York’s Coney Island. After a year of absence, Chestnut is returning for the 2025 event where he hopes to secure his record 17th title. (Image: AP)

On Monday, Chestnut, 41, confirmed he’s back for the July 4 Independence Day holiday event after a year away due to a sponsorship conflict.

I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” Chestnut wrote on X.

Last year, “Joey Jaws” was barred from participating because of a marketing deal he struck with Impossible Foods, which manufactures plant-based meat products. Major League Eating, the professional competitive eating organization that puts on the Nathan’s event, said Chestnut’s Impossible Foods deal violated its terms of participation.

Chestnut said Monday that while he continues to maintain relationships with meat-alternative companies, “Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”

“I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground,” Chestnut explained of being welcomed back to the Coney Island stage where he’ll again be a heavy favorite on the men’s side. “I’m excited to be back … doing what I live to do and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands. Stay hungry!”

Nathan’s Favorite 

State gaming regulators in New Jersey and other gaming states where books and/or bettors express interest have allowed legal wagering on the outcome of the 10-minute Nathan’s hot dog showdown. With the event governed by MLE, gaming regulators have signed off on allowing the competition to be included on the boards.

With Chestnut back, books will look to limit action on the 16-time winner by listing him at extraordinarily short odds of at least -5000. That line implies a likelihood of 98%. A bettor would need to risk $5,000 just to win $100.

When it comes to competitive eating, Chestnut is in a league of his own. Chestnut won the 2023 event with 62 hot dogs and buns consumed — four more than last year’s winner, Patrick Bertoletti, managed during the Chestnut-less competition.

Chestnut ate at least 70 hot dogs and buns six times in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. It was in 2021 when he set the record with 76 dogs and rolls.

Sudo Sure Thing? 

Like the men’s side, the women’s Nathan’s July 4 hot dog eating contest has a perennial favorite in Miki Sudo. Winning 10 of the past 11 women’s Nathan’s competitions, with the lone exception due to her sitting out the event because of pregnancy, Sudo set her and the women’s Nathan’s record of 51 dogs and buns last year.

Sudo provides a bit more value for bettors, as she’ll be around -1000 to win her fourth straight Nathan’s challenge.

One Nathan’s hot dog has 160 calories, 15 grams of fat (6g saturated), and 550mg of sodium. A Nathan’s bun has 130 calories, 1.5g of fat (1g saturated), 180mg of sodium, and 25g of carbohydrates.