Joey Chestnut reasserts his dominance in the competitive eating world.
According to the New York Post, Joey Chestnut secured his 17th win at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th, 2025, by consuming 70.5 hot dogs.
Chestnut, the renowned competitive eater, was absent from last year's contest due to a sponsorship debacle with Impossible Foods but made a return that could only be described as triumphant. The competition, held annually at Coney Island, saw him reclaiming the Mustard Belt and the hearts of his fans. This event marked his seventeenth victory, drawing cheers and support from a crowd festooned in hot dog hats and enthusiastic signs.
Chestnut faced Patrick Bertoletti, who managed to eat 46.5 hot dogs, falling significantly short of Chestnut's impressive count. Bertoletti was the winner of the previous year’s event, having consumed 58 hot dogs, setting the bar high for this year’s event.
Joey Chestnut shared his feelings after the event, his tone a mix of humility and hope. He had aimed to consume between 70 to 77 hot dogs, but narrowly missed this target. Chestnut said, "Man, I wish I didn’t need a couple more. I’m sorry guys. My goal was 70-77 — I really wanted a little bit more."
Despite his victory, Chestnut acknowledged the increasing difficulty in surpassing his own records, attributing it to his advancing age. Joey is acutely aware that each victory nowadays comes with bigger challenges. "I know it’s going to keep getting harder and harder to break records—I’ll figure it out," he expressed.
Another highlight of the event was the performance in the women’s division, where Miki Sudo continued her undefeated streak at Coney Island by downing 33 hot dogs. Her closest competitors, Michelle Lesco and Domenica Dee, managed to eat 22.75 and 21.5 hot dogs, respectively.
Event organizer George Shea played a significant role in the festivities, taking a moment to celebrate Chestnut's return. "Joey Chestnut is back," he announced proudly, setting the tone for the ongoing revelry. The competition, a staple since 1972, continues to draw massive crowds and is a key highlight of the national holiday celebrations at Coney Island.
Joey Chestnut's resolve remains unshaken, as made evident by his post-competition reflections. He shared, "But yeah, I’ll be back next year. I’m just happy I'm here, and happy Fourth of July."
The return of Joey Chestnut was a spectacle cheered on by many enthusiastic fans. Signs such as “Joey Chestnut, come take a spin on the cyclone baby! Coney Island misses you” and “Joey Chestnut I want to have your baby” were spotted among the jubilant crowd.
Fan AJ Fing shared his joy at Chestnut’s participation: “I’m glad he came back. He’s an icon of July 4th — Uncle Sam, the bald eagle, and Joey Chestnut,” showcasing the strong cultural sentiment attached to Chestnut’s performance. Additionally, Lee Henry, another spectator, was confident in Chestnut's ongoing prowess: “The king is back … it’s pure American. I guarantee you he’ll beat his own record. He really is a pro.”
The excitement was palpable among attendees, many of whom planned their holiday around the event. "My husband asked where I wanted to go. I said I wanted to spend the Fourth of July in Coney Island and watch Joey win," explained Susan Solis, demonstrating the personal significance of the event for many.
In conclusion, Chestnut's victorious return not only reaffirms his status in competitive eating but also underscores the communal and celebratory nature of the event, intertwining national pride with personal achievement. Though the future may hold tougher challenges due to Joey's aging, his determination and love for the contest remain undeterred.
