The undisputed king of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is making a comeback this year.
Joey Chestnut announced on Monday that he will compete in the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July in Coney Island, N.Y. Chestnut said in an Instagram post that he is “thrilled” to return to the event after he was not allowed to compete last year.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.
“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.
“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!”
Prior to the 2024 Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut had competed in the annual event every year since 2004. He has won the contest a record 16 times and had won it all but one year since 2007 before he was ruled ineligible last year.
Chestnut was banned from last year’s Hot Dog Eating Contest after he signed an endorsement deal with vegan brand Impossible Foods. He had previously been offered a huge contract to turn down the vegan brand and continue competing in the Nathan’s competition.
The 41-year-old Chestnut is by far the most popular draw that the Hot Dog Eating Contest has ever had. In 2023, he exerted his influence and endeared himself to fans even further when he refused to allow the contest to be canceled due to bad weather. The year before, Chestnut put a protestor in a chokehold and slammed the guy to the ground in the middle of the contest.
After he was ousted from the Nathan’s competition last year, Chestnut instead squared off against fellow competitive eating legend Takeru Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest that was streamed live on Netflix. Chestnut beat Kobayashi and shattered his own previous world record, which he set at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2021.
