Defending champion Joey Chestnut cheers after finishing in first place in the 2023 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023, at Coney Island.
Joey Chestnut is back for his crown.
The competitive eating star announced he is returning to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest this Fourth of July after missing out on last year's event.
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WATCH HERE"I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," Chestnut shared on social media. "This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life."
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SIGN UP The 16-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion was banned from the 2024 competition due to a partnership with Impossible Foods, a plant-based rival of Nathan's. Chestnut says he was able to find "common ground" with Nathan's, allowing him to participate in this year's event.
Chestnut did get to battle a longtime rival in a different hot dog eating showdown despite not competing in the Nathan's contest last summer.
The 41-year-old Chestnut took down Takeru Kobayashi in a Netflix contest dubbed "Unfinished Beef" in September.
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Chestnut holds the world hot dog eating record, scarfing down 83 dogs and buns in 10 minutes during the Netflix competition against Kobayashi. His previous record was 76, which he set at the 2021 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Patrick Bertoletti won the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Chestnut's absence with 58 dogs and buns.
