Joey Chestnut Aims for Comeback at 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest kicked off Friday morning at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, marking another Fourth of July tradition. This year, the competition features a mix of seasoned veterans and eager newcomers.

Reigning women's champion Miki Sudo secured her 11th victory by consuming 33 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes. The crowd erupted with chants of "Joey, Joey, Joey!" as Joey Chestnut made his entrance, ready to reclaim his title from defending champion Patrick Betoletti.

A total of 15 men and 13 women are vying for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt and a $10,000 cash prize. The women's competition began at 11 a.m., followed by the men's at 12:30 p.m. Fans can find details on how to watch the event online.

Chestnut, who holds the all-time record of 76 hot dogs and buns set in 2021, is eager to make a comeback after missing last year's contest due to a ban linked to a partnership with Impossible Foods, a competitor in the plant-based market. Betoletti took advantage of the opportunity last year, winning with 58 hot dogs and buns.

"Part of me wishes [Betoletti] was a jerk. It would motivate me harder, but I love him," Chestnut remarked during Thursday's weigh-in. "But I wanna win. I wanna push for a record, so I kinda feel bad for him. 'Cause I'm gonna drop the hammer, and he's gonna get annihilated."

Betoletti expressed his excitement about Chestnut's return, stating, "It felt great last year. I never thought I'd ever win Nathan's, but it didn't feel complete without Joey there, so he's back this year and it's better."

Sudo, 39, from Tampa, Florida, has been a dominant force in women's competitive eating, having set a world record with 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024. On Friday, she finished with 18 hot dogs behind her record. "The hot dogs were great, the weather's beautiful, the crowd had me going. I'm thinking maybe the buns were more filling than usual," she commented. "It's OK, a win's a win, thank you for the support."

Throughout the competition, Sudo faced stiff competition from Michelle Lesco and Domenica Dee but ultimately pulled ahead. Lesco finished second with 22.75 hot dogs and buns, while Dee took third with 21.5.

In an interesting twist, Sudo's husband, Nick Wehry, is also competing in the men's division this year. The annual contest has been a staple since 1916 at Nathan's flagship location in Coney Island.

Competitors have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible. No utensils or condiments are allowed; however, water and other non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. For a hot dog to count, both it and the bun must be swallowed. Competitors can break up the hot dogs or separate them from the buns and may dunk the buns in a beverage for up to five seconds. Any contestant who throws up is disqualified.

This year's contest promises excitement as Chestnut seeks redemption and Sudo continues her reign on the women's side.