Joey Chestnut Returns, Rivalries Heat Up at Nathan’s

Joey Chestnut, holder of 55 world records and 16 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest titles, returned to the competition after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship dispute with Impossible Foods, which has since been resolved. Chestnut, once banned, aims to reclaim his Mustard Belt while contending with rivals such as Patrick Bertoletti, the 2024 champion, and international challenger James Webb, who finished third this year with 45.5 hot dogs. The contest remains a major July 4th tradition and features standout performances in both the men's and women's divisions, highlighted by Miki Sudo's dominance. Regional events like the Star 95 Hot Dog Eating Contest in Princeton, WV, further demonstrate the sport's broad appeal. Despite acknowledging the effects of age, Chestnut continues to be a central figure in competitive eating and its ongoing rivalries. His legacy underscores the sport's evolving and enthusiastic following.