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Joey Chestnut announces return to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko06/16/25nickkosko59
USATSI_23683725 (1)
Luis Torres/Special to the Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

World famous eater Joey Chestnut is coming back to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025. After not participating last year, the world record holder is going back to Coney Island!

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote on Twitter. “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.

“To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with. I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!”

Initially, Chestnut was not expected to return in 2025. The 16-time champion of the event was named a persona non grata by the contest when he partnered with Impossible Foods, a plant-based brand behind a new vegan hot dog. A year later, after Chestnut’s absence was felt on the Fourth of July in 2024, many expected decision-makers to try and mend some fences. Now, it’s a reality.

Instead of the traditional contest last year, Chestnut squared off with long time rival Takeru Kobayashi. He beat him with a total 83 hot dogs to 66 in Netflix’s Unfinished Beef, in a 10 minute contest, last September.

It’s worth noting Chestnut’s record at the Nathan’s Hot Dog contest was 76, a number he beat with Netflix. Although not a Nathan’s event and different hot dogs, it was the latest impressive feat.

Chestnut and Kobayashi are arguably the two biggest stars in the history of competitive eating, famously squaring off at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. However, the latter has not competed at Nathan’s since 2009 amid a contract dispute.

Other than Chestnut, Kobayashi was considered the greatest eater alive and called the “Godfather of Eating.” But the American will look to add another Mustard Belt on July 4th.