Joey Chestnut Returns to Glory at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025
In a blazing comeback marked by flair, focus, and ferocious appetite, Joey Chestnut reclaimed his title at the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, devouring 70.5 hot dogs and buns in just ten minutes. After a one-year absence, Chestnut outpaced defending champion Patrick Bertoletti and crowd favorite James Webb, reclaiming dominance in the celebrated event. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo secured her 11th women’s title, proving her continued reign. The contest delivered thrills, rivalry, and mouthfuls of record-chasing excitement.
Story Highlights
-
Joey Chestnut returns to Coney Island after a one-year ban and wins with 70.5 hot dogs and buns.
-
Patrick Bertoletti places second with 46.5, followed by James Webb with 45.5.
-
Chestnut missed 2024 due to a dispute over a sponsorship with Impossible Foods.
-
Miki Sudo earns her 11th women’s title with 33 hot dogs, ahead of Michelle Lesco and Domenica Dee.
-
Contest rules: 10 minutes, no utensils or condiments, water allowed, disqualification for vomiting.
-
Event dates back to 1916, held annually at Nathan’s flagship location on Surf and Stillwell, Brooklyn.
On the sun-soaked stage of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this Fourth of July, the unmistakable roar of the crowd left no doubt — Joey Chestnut was back, and he was hungry for more than just hot dogs.
After missing the 2024 contest due to a widely publicized dispute with organizers over his partnership with a plant-based hot dog brand, Chestnut returned to reclaim what many considered rightfully his. And he did so in dramatic fashion, swallowing an astounding 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, securing his place once again at the top of the competitive eating world.
Chestnut’s return wasn’t just about numbers. It was a moment — for fans, for rivals, and for the contest itself.
“I was excited, I love being here,” Chestnut said following his win. “Man, I wish I ate a couple more, I’m sorry guys, but I’ll be back next year.”
The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, was greeted with thunderous chants of “Joey! Joey! Joey!” as he stepped onto the iconic stage at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, where the annual event has taken place since 1916.
Although Chestnut’s final count fell short of his own world record of 76, set in 2021, his performance was a statement. It reasserted his dominance in a competition he has now won 17 times.
The Return, The Rivalry, and The Redemption
Patrick Bertoletti, last year’s champion, who seized the opportunity during Chestnut’s absence, put up a solid effort with 46.5 hot dogs and buns, but couldn’t keep pace. Australian competitor James Webb followed closely behind with 45.5.
Bertoletti had earned his first Mustard Yellow Belt in 2024 with 58 hot dogs, but even before the contest began this year, Chestnut had made his intentions clear during the weigh-in.
“Part of me wishes [Bertoletti] was a jerk,” Chestnut admitted with a grin. “It would motivate me harder, but I love him. But I wanna win. I wanna push for a record, so I kinda feel bad for him. ’Cause I’m gonna drop the hammer, and he’s gonna get annihilated.”
In a moment of sportsmanship and reflection, Bertoletti welcomed Chestnut’s return to the fold.
“It felt great last year. I never thought I’d ever win Nathan’s, the contest,” Bertoletti shared. “But it didn’t feel complete without Joey there. So he’s back this year, and it’s better.”
The Women’s Division: Miki Sudo Stays on Top
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, extended her remarkable streak with her 11th victory, consuming 33 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute competition. Though she didn’t surpass her own world record of 51, which she set just last year, she maintained her grip on the title.
Sudo faced fierce competition early on from Michelle Lesco and Domenica Dee, who kept pace with her through the first half of the contest. But as the minutes ticked down, Sudo pulled ahead with her trademark composure.
“The hot dogs were great, the weather’s beautiful, the crowd had me going,” she said afterward. “I’m thinking maybe the buns were more filling than usual. It’s OK — a win’s a win. Thank you for the support.”
Lesco finished with 22.75, while Dee followed with 21.5. Sudo’s husband, Nick Wehry, also participated in the men’s division, keeping it a family affair in the world of competitive eating.
A Century-Old Spectacle With Rules That Test Stomachs and Strategy
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest isn’t just about speed — it’s about precision, strategy, and endurance. The rules are clear: competitors have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as they can. No utensils. No condiments. Just hot dogs, water, and sheer willpower.
The event featured 15 male and 13 female competitors this year, all vying for the symbolic Mustard Yellow Belt and a $10,000 cash prize.
To count, each hot dog and bun must be fully swallowed. Participants are allowed to separate the dog from the bun and dunk the bun in water or a non-alcoholic beverage — but only for a maximum of five seconds. And there’s a catch: if any competitor vomits — a phenomenon known as a “reversal of fortune” — they’re instantly disqualified.
Chestnut once again showcased why he’s considered the king of the competitive eating world. His return not only redefined the competition but reignited the energy that fans have come to expect every Independence Day.
And though he didn’t break a record this year, it’s clear he’s not done yet.
Joey Chestnut’s spectacular return to the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest was more than a personal triumph — it reaffirmed his legendary status in one of America’s most iconic competitions. With sheer focus and unmatched hunger, Chestnut not only reclaimed his crown but reignited the thrill of competitive eating at Coney Island. Alongside Miki Sudo’s continued dominance in the women’s division, the contest delivered a celebration of stamina, rivalry, and tradition. As the crowd cheered and the mustard belt found its way home, one truth stood clear — the legend still has bite.
Appreciating your time:
We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.
Post a Comment:
In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.
Stay Connected:
Don’t miss out on future updates and articles
