The iconic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest is making a grand return this year, and competitive eating legend Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is gearing up for his much-anticipated comeback. After a year away from the event due to a contract dispute with the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods, the 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, is eager to reclaim his title. This Friday, Chestnut aims for his remarkable 17th win, adding to his already impressive legacy in competitive eating.
During Chestnut's absence last year, Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago seized the opportunity and emerged as the defending men's champion. The competition in the men's category is fierce, as Bertoletti aims to hold onto his title. Meanwhile, in the women's division, Miki Sudo, a 39-year-old competitor from Tampa, Florida, is the favorite to win once again. Sudo is on the hunt for her 11th title, having set a record last year by devouring an astonishing 51 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.
The annual gastronomic showdown, which dates back to 1972, takes place in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant located at New York’s Coney Island. This highly anticipated event draws large crowds, with many fans donning playful foam hot dog hats. Participants from both the men’s and women’s categories will compete to consume as many hot dogs as possible within a tight 10-minute timeframe. A unique aspect of the contest allows competitors to dunk their hot dogs in cups of water, a technique that makes for a visually captivating and stomach-churning spectacle.
This year, 15 men from various parts of the globe, including Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, England, and Brazil, will participate alongside 13 American women competitors. Joey Chestnut holds the current world record for consuming 76 hot dogs and buns in merely 10 minutes, achieved on July 4, 2021. He has also won a remarkable 16 Mustard Belts, solidifying his status as a titan in the competitive eating community.
Instead of participating in last year's contest, Chestnut showcased his skills by eating 57 hot dogs in just five minutes during an exhibition event in El Paso, Texas, with soldiers. Reflecting on his return to Coney Island, Chestnut expressed his excitement, stating, “I was really happy to be back at Coney Island.” He also clarified that he has never appeared in any commercials for Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog brand he has collaborated with. Acknowledging the past miscommunication, he noted, “I should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.”
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest promises to be an exhilarating event this year, with seasoned champions and new challengers ready to make their mark. As fans gather at Coney Island, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown filled with excitement, tradition, and, of course, plenty of hot dogs.
