The Nathans Hot Dog Contest 2025 is back with unmatched energy and excitement as legendary champion Joey Chestnut makes his highly anticipated return after a dramatic hiatus in 2024. This year’s Fourth of July competition at Coney Island has already generated massive buzz, with fans, bettors, and media outlets closely watching what promises to be a historic eating showdown.
Joey Chestnut’s Triumphant Return at Nathans Hot Dog Contest 2025
Joey Chestnut, the undisputed king of competitive eating, is officially back in action for Nathans Hot Dog Contest 2025 after missing last year’s contest due to a sponsorship dispute. With 16 previous wins and the all-time record of 76 hot dogs consumed in 10 minutes, Chestnut is not just returning—he’s aiming to reestablish dominance. In pre-event press events, Chestnut stated that he’s “in the best shape of the last five years,” reigniting hope among fans and fueling expectations of a new record.
Meanwhile, last year’s surprise winner, Patrick Bertoletti, has welcomed the competition, saying it will bring out the best in everyone. This matchup is not just about eating—it’s about legacy.
Key Point Summary
- Joey Chestnut returns after 2024 absence
- Patrick Bertoletti defending his unexpected 2024 title
- Miki Sudo targets her 11th straight win in the women’s contest
- Event airs live from Coney Island on July 4
- Prize money: $20,000 for each champion
- Contestants from 5+ countries expected
Read also-Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Record: The Latest Chapter in Competitive Eating History
Contest Details & Viewing Info
The event will once again take place at the iconic corner of Surf and Stillwell in Coney Island on July 4, 2025. Fans can catch the action live at the venue or tune in from home.
- Women’s Contest: 10:45 a.m. ET
- Men’s Contest: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Broadcast Platforms: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+
This year’s contest will feature immersive production elements, including overhead crowd cams and close-up angles during the final minutes of each contest.
Nathans Hot Dog Contest 2025 Men’s Lineup
The men’s division is absolutely stacked this year, with international competitors and returning legends:
- Joey Chestnut – 16-time champion, record-holder
- Patrick Bertoletti – 2024 winner, with 58 hot dogs
- James Webb – Australia’s top eater and crowd favorite
- Nick Wehry – Consistent top-five contender and Chestnut’s rival
- Jerome Burns – Rookie sensation who earned a surprise qualifying spot
All eyes are on Chestnut and Bertoletti, but rising stars like Webb and Burns could shake up the rankings.
Women’s Division Spotlight: Miki Sudo’s Ongoing Reign
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo continues to dominate. She’s the 10-time defending champion and holds the women’s world record with 51 hot dogs. She enters this year looking to extend her streak to 11 wins.
Other contenders to watch include:
- Michelle Lesco – Regular runner-up with consistent top performances
- Domenica Dee – Surprise third-place finisher in 2024
- Newcomers – Several rookies from Brazil and the UK are expected to debut
If Sudo wins again, she’ll extend her status as one of the most successful competitors in the sport—male or female.
Betting Odds & Fan Predictions
With Chestnut returning, he’s the overwhelming favorite across betting boards. However, some are betting on the underdog, Bertoletti, to deliver another upset. Prop bets are also attracting attention, including:
- Will Chestnut break his own record (76 hot dogs)?
- Total combined hot dogs eaten across top 3?
- Who finishes runner-up in the men’s contest?
Sudo is also heavily favored in the women’s bracket, but many bettors are eyeing second and third place for better odds.
Contest History & What’s New This Year
What separates Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest 2025 from prior years is the mix of high-stakes drama and an evolved viewing experience. This year, the competition is not just about who eats the most—it’s about comebacks, redemption, and pushing human limits.
New to this year:
- Enhanced live coverage with behind-the-scenes features
- A new scoring leaderboard screen visible to live attendees
- Real-time crowd polling on social media platforms
With over 30 million expected to tune in across all platforms, the 2025 contest is poised to be the most-watched hot dog event in history.
Final Word on Nathans Hot Dog Contest 2025
With Joey Chestnut’s return, the intensity is unmatched. Fans are thrilled, the competitors are prepared, and the countdown to America’s most patriotic eating contest has begun. As Miki Sudo looks to extend her legacy and the men’s field grows more competitive, this Independence Day will be unforgettable.
Don’t just hear about it later—witness history being made. Mark your calendar, tune in live, and be part of the wildest tradition on July 4.