Joey Chestnut Triumphs at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: 17th Win with 70.5 Dogs After Year-Long Hiatus!

Joey Chestnut is the undisputed champion of hot dog eating. He recently devoured an impressive 70.5 hot dogs at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, marking his 17th victory in this famous competition. His win was especially significant since he had missed the event in 2024 due to a ban over sponsorship issues.

Back this year, he showcased his skills by outpacing second-place finisher Patrick Bertoletti, who managed 46.5 hot dogs. Chestnut’s absence in 2024 was a shock to fans. He had partnered with Impossible Foods, but Nathan’s has strict rules against promoting other brands. After reaching a resolution with Nathan’s, he returned, eager to reclaim his title.

In the past year, instead of competing at Nathan’s, Chestnut faced off against his long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi in a Netflix event. He set a personal record by eating 83 hot dogs, easily beating Kobayashi’s 66.

Before this year’s contest, Chestnut aimed for a new record. He previously set a record of 76 hot dogs in 2021. To beat that, he figured he’d need around 48 to 50 hot dogs halfway through. He started strong but had consumed 46 by the five-minute mark, eventually slowing down but still securing a solid win.

Since 2007, he has only lost twice at Nathan’s. His only losses came in 2015 when he was bested by Matt Stonie and during his absence in 2024. Each year he’s participated, he’s taken home the title except for those occasions.

Chestnut’s determined spirit remains. After his latest win, he expressed plans to return next year, solidifying his reign in the world of competitive eating.

Fun Fact

Did you know competitive eating has become more than just a quirky pastime? The International Federation of Competitive Eating now oversees numerous eating contests, and popularity has surged with social media showcasing these events. A recent survey revealed that 70% of Americans find competitive eating entertaining, indicating it’s more than just a niche hobby—it’s a community phenomenon.

For more on the history of competitive eating and its evolution, you can explore further at NPR.

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Joey Chestnut, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, hot dogs, Patrick Bertoletti, Takeru Kobayashi