Joey Chestnut, the legendary competitive eater known for his jaw-dropping hot dog eating records, is back in the spotlight with fresh developments in 2025. After a one-year hiatus due to a sponsorship dispute that sidelined him from the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut returns with his sights set on reclaiming his record-extending 17th title and possibly breaking his own world record.
Joey Chestnut’s Current Record and Recent Highlights
Chestnut’s most famous record remains his 2021 feat, when he devoured an astonishing 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, setting the bar for competitive eating worldwide. However, in a unique Netflix event titled Chest vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef held in 2024, Chestnut shattered his own record by eating 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes, surpassing his previous best and besting longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi, who managed 66 hot dogs in the same contest. This event did not allow dunking buns in water, a strategy Chestnut has been refining ever since to maximize efficiency during competitions.
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: Chestnut’s Return
Joey Chestnut is the overwhelming favorite to win the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually on July 4th at Coney Island. After missing the 2024 contest due to a ban linked to his sponsorship with Impossible Foods, Chestnut is back and favored at odds of -1600 to claim his 17th “Mustard Belt.” Patrick Bertoletti, the 2024 champion who ate 58 hot dogs during Chestnut’s absence, is the closest contender but remains a distant second in betting odds.
Read also-Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 Betting Odds, Expert Picks, Predictions
Chestnut has publicly expressed his hunger to break his own record again, emphasizing the importance of perfect weather conditions—around 75 to 78 degrees, not too hot or windy—to optimize his performance. He also mentioned adjusting his technique by reducing bun dunking to maintain speed and minimize unnecessary movement.
Key Points Summary:
- Joey Chestnut holds the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest record with 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes (2021).
- In 2024, he set a new world record of 83 hot dogs in a Netflix special against Takeru Kobayashi.
- Chestnut missed the 2024 Nathan’s contest due to a sponsorship ban but is back for 2025, aiming for his 17th title.
- He is the heavy favorite for the 2025 contest, with Patrick Bertoletti as the main challenger.
- Chestnut is fine-tuning his strategy, focusing on bun dunking and weather conditions to break his own record again.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest unfolds, all eyes will be on Joey Chestnut to see if he can reclaim his throne and possibly push past his incredible 83-hot dog record from the Netflix event. His return marks a thrilling chapter in competitive eating history, promising fierce competition and potentially new records.
Fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the contest broadcast on ESPN2, where Chestnut’s mastery and determination will be tested once more. Whether he can surpass his own limits remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Joey Chestnut’s name will continue to dominate the world of competitive eating.
Celebrate the return of the hot dog king and stay tuned for live updates and results from this year’s iconic event.
Join the excitement and witness history in the making!