Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 Begins in Coney Island

The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has officially commenced, marking another Fourth of July celebration in New York City. This year’s event unfolded this morning at the iconic intersection of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Fifteen men and thirteen women are set to compete for the prestigious Mustard Yellow Belt along with a $20,000 cash prize. The women's competition began at 11 a.m., followed by the men's at 12:30 p.m. For those interested in viewing the contest, details on how to watch are available.

In a display of remarkable skill, reigning women's champion Miki Sudo secured her 11th victory by consuming 32 hot dogs and buns. The competition was fierce, with Sudo and Michelle Lesco neck-and-neck during the initial stages, but Sudo ultimately pulled ahead, leaving Lesco with a total of 22.

Sudo, 39, hailing from Tampa, Florida, has been a dominant force in the women's division for years, having set a world record of 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024.

On the men's side, Joey Chestnut is making a comeback after missing last year's contest. He holds the all-time record of 76 hot dogs and buns consumed in just 10 minutes, a feat accomplished in 2021. Previously a 16-time champion, Chestnut faced a ban last year due to a partnership with Impossible Foods, a competitor in the plant-based hot dog market.

With the competition wide open this year, Patrick Bertoletti claimed his first victory with an impressive 58 hot dogs and buns. Sudo's continued success adds to her legacy as she aims for yet another title.

"Part of me wishes [Bertoletti] 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."

Bertoletti expressed his excitement about competing against Chestnut again: "It felt great last year. I never thought I'd ever win Nathan's, the contest, but it didn't feel complete without Joey there, so he's back this year and it's better."

This annual tradition has its roots dating back to 1916 at Nathan's flagship location in Coney Island. Competitors have a strict 10-minute window to consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible. Notably, utensils and condiments are prohibited; however, water and other non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For a hot dog and bun to count towards their total, competitors must swallow both. They may break the hot dogs apart or separate them from the buns as needed. Additionally, they can dunk the buns in their beverage for no more than five seconds. Any competitor who vomits during the contest faces immediate disqualification.

As the competition unfolds today, spectators eagerly await to see who will take home the coveted title and cash prize.