Joey Chestnut Returns to Nathan's Hot Dog Contest

Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, is set to return to the Coney Island competition on July 4th after missing last year due to a sponsorship dispute related to his partnership with Impossible Foods. Chestnut and Major League Eating (MLE) resolved the conflict after negotiations, with Chestnut affirming that Nathan’s is the only hot dog brand he has officially endorsed, despite his other plant-based brand partnerships. The contest is a cherished American tradition for Chestnut, and his participation is viewed as central to the event’s legacy by organizers. Patrick Bertoletti won last year’s contest in Chestnut’s absence by consuming 58 hot dogs, but Chestnut aims to reclaim his crown and potentially break his own record of 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. The agreement ends a highly publicized dispute and restores a key figure to the event. Both Chestnut and MLE expressed optimism about moving forward and maintaining the contest’s celebrated tradition.