Joey Chestnut Secures 18th Win at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

On the Fourth of July, Joey Chestnut once again emerged victorious at the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut consumed an impressive 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, earning him the coveted Mustard Belt. This marks his 18th win in the renowned contest.

In 2025, Chestnut reclaimed the title by eating 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, after sitting out the 2024 competition. His all-time record remains at 76 hot dogs and buns, set in 2021.

“Eating here on the Fourth of July is a dream; it’s electric. There’s no place better on Earth,” Chestnut expressed.

Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago claimed second place with 51 hot dogs consumed. The event took place at Nathan’s Famous flagship in Coney Island, Brooklyn, and drew a sizable crowd despite the intense heat. Fans chanted Chestnut’s name enthusiastically when he surpassed 50 hot dogs.

Participants in the contest were competing for a $10,000 cash prize in addition to the belt.

Miki Sudo’s Victory in Women’s Competition

Miki Sudo claimed her 12th win in the women’s division, eating 38 3/4 hot dogs and buns. Her record stands at 51, set in a previous contest. In 2025, she consumed 33 hot dogs to secure her victory.

“I’m just glad I could celebrate America 250 in this way,” Sudo stated.

Michelle Lesco, the 2021 champion, finished second with 22 hot dogs consumed.

Event’s Significance and Audience

Despite the oppressive heat, thousands of New Yorkers attended one of the nation’s most well-known traditions. Fans from across the country, including California, traveled to watch Chestnut triumph in person.

“I’ve been watching this show for many years,” one attendee from California shared. “We had to come out and see Joey Jaws win his 18th title.”

International and National Competitors

Alongside the champions, many other competitive eaters from around the world took part. Participants were weighed in at Hudson Yards, New York City, prior to the contest.

• Men: Joey Chestnut (Indianapolis, Indiana), Patrick Bertoletti (Chicago, Illinois), James Webb (Sydney, Australia), Nick Wehry (Tampa, Florida), Max Stanford (London, England), Gideon Oji (Stockbridge, Georgia), Derek Hendrickson (Las Vegas, Nevada), Radim Dvoracek (Ostrava, Czech Republic), George Chiger (Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania), Cameron Meade (Valparaiso, Indiana), Tanner Gray (Fort Mill, South Carolina), Jerome Burns (Danbury, Connecticut), Crazy Legs Conti (New York, New York), Ynho Choi (Seoul, South Korea).
• Women: Miki Sudo (Tampa, Florida), Domenica Dee (Seattle, Washington), Tandra Childress (San Francisco, California), Katie Prettyman (Marysville, Washington), Rene Rovtar (Basking Ridge, New Jersey), Cherish Brown (Eden, Ohio), Camille O’Brien (Jeffersonville, New York), Semora Kludy (Charlotte, Michigan), Lainey Eaton (San Diego, California), Michelle Lesco (Tucson, Arizona).

Jennifer Bisram contributed to this report.