Independent Report – Joey Chestnut made a powerful return to the spotlight at the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on the Fourth of July at Coney Island, New York City. After being banned from last year’s competition due to a sponsorship conflict, the 41-year-old eating legend from Indiana reclaimed his title by devouring 71 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. His victory earned him the event’s coveted Mustard Belt once again, marking another chapter in his long and dominant career in competitive eating.
Joey Chestnut had missed the 2024 contest after signing a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods, a partnership that led to his exclusion from the competition. The deal stirred controversy, especially among fans who considered Chestnut an essential part of the annual celebration. His absence was deeply felt, and many expressed their support leading up to his return. Speaking to ESPN after the event, Chestnut said, “Lots of people told me I was part of their Fourth of July and they missed me. I guaranteed I’d try hard and I didn’t want to let people down.”
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His triumphant comeback adds to an already impressive resume. Before this year’s event, Chestnut had won 16 Nathan’s titles and held the world record of 76 hot dogs and buns, a feat he achieved in 2021. Though his performance this year did not break any personal or world records, it was more than enough to secure the top spot and remind everyone of his unmatched talent in the sport.
Patrick Bertoletti, last year’s champion who had taken advantage of Chestnut’s absence in 2024, finished in second place this year with a total of 46 hot dogs consumed. While his number was significantly lower than Chestnut’s, Bertoletti’s performance still earned him respect in a competition known for its intense pace and pressure.
The women’s division of the contest also featured returning champions and fierce competition. Miki Sudo, who has been a dominant figure in the women’s hot dog eating circuit, successfully defended her title by eating 33 hot dogs and buns. Though this was far below her personal best and record of 51 set the year before, Sudo still held off the competition to retain her crown. In a post-contest interview with ESPN, she reflected on her performance, saying, “I might have stumbled out of the gate, but when things are tough, you get back up and you keep going.”
Michelle Lesco, another well-known name in the competitive eating community, came in second in the women’s division, finishing with 22.75 hot dogs. The close race between Sudo and Lesco added excitement to the event, which remains one of the most-watched and anticipated eating contests in the world.
The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has become a symbol of American pop culture and summer celebration, drawing thousands of spectators in person and millions more watching from home. It blends spectacle with sport, tradition with intensity, and continues to be a platform for showcasing endurance, speed, and the unrelenting will of its competitors.
For Joey Chestnut, this year’s win was more than just a return to form — it was a statement. After a year of controversy and absence, he came back to prove he still belongs at the top. His 17th victory at Coney Island is not just another number, but a reminder of his legendary status in competitive eating. As the crowd cheered and the confetti fell, Chestnut once again stood proud — a champion reclaimed.
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