Chestnut Devours 70+ Hotdogs, Dominates Competition In Annual Display Of American Exceptionalism

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut took back his title at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition on Friday, dominating the event after being booted from last year’s competition over a contract dispute with a fake meat company.

“Oh my gosh, I was nervous,” Chestnut told ESPN after reclaiming his crown. “[The] first couple of hot dogs, I was fumbling a little bit, but I found a pretty good rhythm. My goal was 70 to 77 – I really wanted a little bit more. There’s next year and I’m just happy I am here.”

JOEY CHESTNUT'S DOMINANCE CONTINUES ????

Chestnut downs 70.5 hot dogs to win his 17th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest title ???? ???? pic.twitter.com/B3TMBrayZ7

— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2025

Chestnut stuffed himself with 70 ½ hot dogs in 10 minutes, marking the 41-year-old Indiana resident’s 17^th “Mustard Belt” win in 20 tries – the most any competitor has won. Still, he fell short of his record of 76 hot dogs and buns from four years ago. He won his first Nathan’s competition in 2007, and an American has won the contest every year since.

He beat 14 other chowhounds from all over the world, including Brazil, Australia, and Europe. Friday’s second-place finisher, Patrick Bertoletti, ate 24 fewer frankfurters than Chestnut. Bertoletti won last year’s competition during Chestnut’s absence, downing 58 wieners and buns. The event has been held annually at Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, on July 4 since 1972.

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Although Chestnut did not compete in Nathan’s 2024 competition, he still holds 55 world records for various eating competitions. According to Major League Eating, the moderating body behind the hot dog eating contest, Chestnut also holds records for eating 121 Twinkies in six minutes, 390 shrimp wontons in eight minutes, and, of course, his hot dog record from 2021.

Major League Eating banned Chestnut from the Nathan’s Famous competition last year after he signed a deal with Impossible Foods, a Nathan’s competitor. In a statement last year on X, the group said, “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”

During his hiatus from Nathan’s Famous 2024 competition, Chestnut set the record for the most Buffalo Wild Wings eaten in one sitting, consuming 14.4 pounds of wings. He also consumed 83 all-beef hot dogs and buns at a Labor Day event in Las Vegas, according to CNN.

Chestnut took home $10,000 for his win on Friday, with the runner-up receiving $5,000, and $2500 for third place.

Sam Korkus contributed to this report.