Joey Chestnut’s Return to the Hot Dog Eating Contest

No Fourth of July is complete without Joey Chestnut. Americans will tune in at noon on the nation’s 250th birthday to see this competitive eater attempt a feat few could achieve. He aims to eat one hot dog for every year the United States has existed.

While this goal seems daunting, Chestnut is expected to secure his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt in 19 attempts. In 2025, Chestnut reclaimed his title at Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City, after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship disagreement.

It was great. The audience is awesome, it’s electric. It’s good to be back after mending some fences.

Chestnut’s greatness began in 2007 when he ended Takeru Kobayashi’s six-title streak. Despite Kobayashi’s jaw injury, Chestnut’s 66 hot dogs surpassed Kobayashi’s 63. Their rivalry continued, with Chestnut prevailing in close matches, including a tiebreaker in 2008.

Chestnut secured victories from 2007 to 2014 but faced a setback in 2015 when Matt Stonie won by eating 62 hot dogs against Chestnut’s 60. Chestnut returned stronger, winning eight consecutive contests after that. In 2024, sponsorship issues temporarily barred him from competition, but he regained his title in 2025 with a record of 70.5 hot dogs.

Chestnut shared with Fox News Digital, “I do what I love. I got the best job in the world. I get to eat, travel, meet happy people, and participate in this grand event.”

Not all wins come easily for Chestnut. In 2022, a protester disrupted him, but he managed to handle the situation and continue, eating 63 hot dogs. Challenges resumed when his 2026 eligibility was questioned due to a battery charge. He served probation but was allowed to travel for the contest.

Chestnut’s all-time record stands at 76 hot dogs in 2021, beating previous records he set in 2020 and 2018.

Chestnut emphasizes that the event isn’t solely about him or the hot dogs. “It’s a celebration of the Fourth of July, an integral part of the holiday in New York City. It’s more than just an eating contest,” he remarked. He cherishes being a small part of people’s holiday celebrations.