CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — Joey “Jaws” Chestnut solidified his legacy as the king of competitive eating, returning to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and clinching his 17th Mustard Belt with a commanding performance, devouring 70 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes for the 2025 competition. Joey Chestnut, an American legend.
The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, outpaced his closest rivals, Patrick Bertoletti and James Webb, who consumed 46 and 45 hot dogs, respectively, in a spectacle that drew thousands to Coney Island’s boardwalk.
Chestnut’s triumphant return came after a controversial 2024 ban stemming from a sponsorship conflict with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company. His absence last year allowed Bertoletti to claim the title with 58 hot dogs, but Chestnut’s 2025 performance reaffirmed his dominance.
Following the victory, Chestnut had a brief, but impactful message for the fans regarding next year’s event.
I’ll be back next year
The event, a Fourth of July tradition, kicked off at 12:30 p.m. ET under sunny skies, broadcast live on ESPN2. Chestnut, a 16-time champion, faced a field of 14 competitors, including 2024 winner Bertoletti and Australian James Webb. Despite speculation about rust after a year away, Chestnut’s performance fell just shy of his personal best of 76 hot dogs set in 2021. Posts on X captured the excitement, with one user, @MarkTheOverseer, noting Chestnut may have reached 73 hot dogs, though official counts confirmed 71.
Bertoletti, who praised Chestnut’s impact on the sport, acknowledged the challenge of facing the legend. “It didn’t feel complete without Joey last year,” he said. “He’s elevated this event to another level.” Webb, finishing third, rounded out a competitive field that struggled to match Chestnut’s relentless pace.
Man, you just gotta tip your cap to Joey Chestnut, the king of July 4th.
Chestnut’s victory earned him the $10,000 grand prize and further cemented his status as a cultural icon. “I’m just a normal guy who loves to eat,” he said, shrugging off comparisons to sports legends. Fans packed the Coney Island stage, chanting “Joey! Joey!” as he powered through the final minutes, dunking buns in water to maintain his rhythm.
The women’s contest saw Miki Sudo defend her title, eating 33 hot dogs to claim her 11th pink belt. The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, bolstered by Chestnut’s return, drew record crowds, underscoring its place as a beloved American tradition.
Check out our Wimbledon recap here.
