Competitive eating fans will see the return of the 16-time champion to this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. The reigning champion had been sidelined due to a contract dispute involving an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods. According to CBS News New York, the record for most hot dogs and buns eaten—76—was set by the champion in 2021.
Chestnut’s absence last year created an opportunity for Patrick Betoletti to step up, winning the Yellow Mustard Belt by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns. With the contract issues now settled, Chestnut is aiming for a new record. He hinted at aiming for close to 80 hot dogs in an interview obtained by USA Today. "It'd be great to make a new record," marking his return, he started training last month for the contest, which is considered the highlight of competitive eating events.
Last year's women's division queen, Miki Sudo, set a record with 51 hot dogs, continuing her dominance since 2014, with the single exception of 2021 due to her pregnancy. Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, a tradition since 1916, will see competitors from across the globe vying for the title and a generous $20,000 cash prize. Phil McCann of Nathan's Famous referred to the event as "the highlight of summer and one of our nation's greatest holiday traditions," as per report by CBS News New York.
Under a new three-year contract with Nathan’s and the International Federation of Competitive Eating Inc., Chestnut will focus exclusively on Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, while continuing to work with Impossible Foods in an unconfirmed capacity. George Shea, founder of IFOCE, expressed excitement in a statement to USA Today: "We're very excited to have Joey back and we believe this is going to be the best contest ever." Chestnut’s return comes as the July 4 contest continues a tradition spanning over a century. Nathan’s Famous will also donate 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City as part of its ongoing charitable efforts.
