Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, NYC features Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut hoping for a comeback victory
Share and Follow

CONEY ISLAND — The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest is back, and famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is hoping for a comeback 17th win on Friday.

The 41-year-old, from Westfield, Indiana, was not in last year’s event due to a contract dispute involving a deal he had struck with a competing brand, the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods. But now he’s back, saying things have been ironed out.

Patrick Bertoletti, of Chicago, won the title in Chestnut’s absence and is the defending men’s champion.

In the women’s competition, defending champion Miki Sudo, 39, of Tampa, Fla., is the favorite this year and is seeking her 11th title. Last year she downed a record 51 dogs.

The annual gastronomic battle, which dates back to 1972, is held in front of the original Nathan’s Famous’ restaurant at New York’s Coney Island and draws large crowds of fans, many in foam hot dog hats.

Competitors in the men’s and women’s categories chow down as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes. They are allowed to dunk the dogs in cups of water to soften them up, creating a stomach-churning spectacle.

The 15 men in the competition hail from across the U.S. and internationally, including Australia, Czech Republic, Canada, England and Brazil.

The 13 women competitors are all Americans.

Joey Chestnut set the world record of eating 76 wieners and buns in 10 minutes on July 4, 2021. He has won a record 16 Mustard Belts. Instead of appearing in New York last year, Chestnut ate 57 dogs – in only five minutes – in an exhibition with soldiers, in El Paso, Texas.

Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that while he was happy to compete at that event, he was “really happy to be back at Coney Island.”

Chestnut said he had never appeared in any commercials for Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has worked with. But he acknowledged he “should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.”

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Colorado man sentenced to life in prison for DUI that killed Air Force veteran, injured his children

Colorado man sentenced to life in prison for DUI that killed Air Force veteran, injured his children

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Colorado man who…
Night Sofia Vergara and Tom Brady got cozy on new elite superyacht

Sofia Vergara and Tom Brady Spotted Getting Comfortable on Luxurious New Yacht

If you weren’t tired from the commotion surrounding Jeff Bezos and Lauren…
Los Angeles 7-Eleven employee Jessica McLaughlin brain dead after being attacked by manager in Hollywood, family says

Family reports Los Angeles 7-Eleven worker Jessica McLaughlin in critical condition after altercation with manager

LOS ANGELES — An employee at a 7-Eleven in Los Angeles is…
Taylor Swift's July 4 announcement revealed

Taylor Swift’s announcement on July 4 uncovered

This time last year, Taylor Swift was hardly in the mood to…
Top 10 Fireworks Movie Scenes For Your 4th Of July 2025

Best Fireworks Scenes in Movies for Your Fourth of July Celebration in 2025

Viewing fireworks on the television during the Fourth of July does not…
How law enforcement's discovery of rare drug in Suzanne Morphew's body led to her husband's eventual arrest

How law enforcement’s discovery of rare drug in Suzanne Morphew’s body led to her husband’s eventual arrest

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The investigation into Suzanne…
Tourist dragged into a ravine and killed by bear in Romania

“Tragic Incident: Bear Attack Claims the Life of Tourist in Romania”

A motorcyclist was mauled to death by a bear in Romania on…
Trump to sign 'big, beautiful bill' at July 4 White House picnic

Trump to sign a ‘large, attractive bill’ during July 4 White House gathering

WASHINGTON () President Donald Trump is expected to sign his “big, beautiful…