NEW YORKAfter missing last year’s culinary battle in New York for the coveted Mustard Belt, renowned competitive eater Joey Jaws Chestnut regained his title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating event on Friday.
The 41-year-old Chestnut missed his 2021 record of 76 wieners and buns after consuming 70 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. For the Westfield, Indiana, eater, who missed last year’s tournament due to a contract issue, it was his 17th victory in 20 appearances at the globally broadcast event.
I wish I had eaten a few more. A grinning Chestnut told the audience, with many shouting his name, “Sorry, guys.” Next year, I’ll be back.
In the women’s class, defending champion Miki Sudo of Tampa, Florida, defeated 33 dogs and defeated a dozen opponents to win her 11th title. She consumed a record 51 links last year. She expressed regret for her performance as well.
I think I somewhat disappointed the supporters. Sudo told ESPN, “I heard people in the crowd saying, Go for 52.” I always have high expectations for myself, of course, but the hot dogs weren’t helping. Today, the buns seemed bigger for some reason.
The annual eat-a-thon, which has been held outside the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, since 1972, drew a sizable crowd, dotted with foam hot dog hats. Fans flocked to witness Chestnut’s eagerly anticipated comeback to what he has described as a treasured custom, a celebration of American culture, and a significant aspect of his life.
14 other contestants from all around the United States and the world, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Ontario, England, and Brazil, were defeated by Chestnut. The winner from the previous year, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, finished in second place after consuming 46 1/2 hot dogs and buns, which was less than the 58 he consumed to win the men’s title in 2024.
After his victory, Chestnut told ESPN, “I love being here.” My physique was easy to train as soon as I knew I was coming. I enjoy doing it. I also enjoy challenging myself and giving folks a hard time.
George Shea, the promoter of the Major League Eating event, announced last year that Chestnut would not be competing because of a contract issue. Chestnut had made an agreement with Impossible Foods, a rival business that produces plant-based meat.
Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has collaborated with and that he has never been included in any of the firm’s vegan hot dog advertisements. However, Chestnut admitted that he ought to have been more explicit with Nathan about that.
In a demonstration with soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, last year, Chestnut consumed 57 dogs in only five minutes. He said that the event was fantastic and that he was happy that he could still have a lot of hot dogs on July 4.
He remarked, “I’m glad I did that, but I’m really glad to be back at Coney Island.”
