He’s top dog again.
Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut was once again crowned champion of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in his triumphant return to the Fourth of July competition after skipping last year due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.
Chestnut, 41, scarfed down a belly-busting 70.5 hot dogs in front of a raucous crowd on Coney Island on Friday and reclaimed the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time. The feat was close but not close enough to beat his own record of 76 franks he set at the competition in 2021.
“Man, I wish I could have ate a couple 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 I’m here, and happy Fourth of July.”
Chestnut made his eagerly awaited return after he was bounced from the contest in 2024 over his deal with Impossible Foods, which had recently launched a plant-based hot dog.
Patrick Bertoletti, who was able to dominate last July 4 with Chestnut absent, didn’t even come close Friday with 46.5 hot dogs and buns consumed.
Last year, Bertoletti scarfed down 58 dogs and buns and became the first person since 2015 not named Chestnut to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.
At his weigh-in Thursday, the top dog said last year’s beef 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.
So are his fans.
Signs Friday at Coney Island read, “Joey Chestnut, come take a spin on the cyclone baby! Coney Island misses you” and “Joey Chestnut I want to have your baby.”
And when Major League Eating event organizer George Shea declared “Joey Chestnut is back,” the crowd erupted.
