CONEY ISLAND, NY – Joey “Jaws” Chestnut made a triumphant return to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Friday, capturing his 17th Mustard Belt after devouring 70.5 hot dogs and buns during the annual Fourth of July competition.
Recommended Videos
Although Chestnut fell short of his world record of 76 set in 2021, the 41-year-old still proved why he’s the sport’s most dominant force.
His return comes after missing last year’s contest due to an endorsement deal with plant-based company Impossible Foods.
That agreement sidelined him from the 2024 event and ended a streak of victories that spanned from 2016 to 2023. In his most recent appearance, he ate 62 dogs to secure the title.
Patrick Bertoletti, who claimed the 2024 title with 58 hot dogs, did not repeat this year. That winning number marked the lowest total for a champion since Chestnut’s 54 in 2010.
Meanwhile, Miki Sudo extended her own reign on the women’s side by eating 33 hot dogs to claim her 11th Nathan’s championship.
While that total was well below the personal best of 51 she set in 2024, it was still enough to top the field and earn her a $10,000 share of the $40,000 prize pool.
