The competitive eating champion is set compete in Coney Island once again.
WASHINGTON — Competitive eating icon Joey Chestnut is returning to Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog contest after a one-year hiatus from the Independence Day event.
Chestnut missed last year’s contest, held at New York City’s Coney Island boardwalk, due to a dispute with Major League Eating following a sponsorship deal with another brand. The 16-time champion instead competed against four soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, where he wolfed down 57 hot dogs in five minutes.
On Monday, the eating superstar announced his return to Nathan’s July 4 hot dog contest.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” Chestnut said in a social media post. “While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground,” Chestnut added. “I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!”
“Can’t wait to welcome you back to Coney, Joey!” Major Eating League said in a statement on social media Monday.
Without Chestnut at the competition, a new winner was crowned at last year’s event.
In 2024, Patrick Bertoletti gobbled up 58 hot dogs to win his first men’s title at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, taking advantage of the absence of the event’s biggest star.
“With Joey not here, I knew I had a shot,” Bertoletti said at the time. “I was able to unlock something that I don’t know where it came from.”
Bertoletti’s victory marked the first time the famed mustard belt had gone to someone besides Chestnut since 2015.
Chestnut told USA Today Sports he started training in May for his return to the contest.
“It’d be great to make a new record,’’ he said. “If I can get close to 80, that’d be amazing.’’