Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut Reclaims Title In Return To Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut returned to dominance on the Fourth of July, winning his 17th Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after sitting out last years event.

The 41-year-old devoured 70.5 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, securing another title on the iconic Coney Island stage in New York City.

The annual spectacle kicked off with the womens division before the mens competition took center stage. Chestnuts nearest competitor, 2024 champion Patrick Bertoletti, managed 46.5 hot dogs and buns, while James Webb followed closely behind with 45.5. Although Chestnut didnt top his personal best of 76 from 2021, his performance was more than enough to clinch the win.

Chestnut missed last years competition after Major League Eating ruled him ineligible due to his partnership with plant-based brand Impossible Foods. However, he returned this year under a new three-year deal with Nathans and the International Federation of Eating, the events organizing body.

His win comes on the heels of another historic feat: Chestnut shattered a world record in 2024 by consuming 83 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes during a head-to-head Netflix event against rival Takeru Kobayashi, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef.”

On the womens side, reigning champion Miki Sudo defended her title, eating 33 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to earn her 11th Nathans victory, though her total was well below the 51 she posted in 2024. Michelle Lesco, who won in 2021 when Sudo skipped the competition while pregnant, finished second with 22.75 dogs and buns. Contest newcomer Domenica Dee came in third with 21.5 hot dogs.