The countdown to one of Brooklyn’s most iconic summer events is on — and its star eater is back.
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is set to return to Coney Island next month, promising the fanfare and fierce competition locals have come to expect.
This year’s bout brings added excitement with the return of Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion, following a sponsorship dispute that kept him out of last year’s contest. Also returning is reigning 10-time women’s champion Miki Sudo, who set a new women’s world record last year of 51 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
Chestnut took to social media on Monday to relish his return.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote on X. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”
The beef reportedly stemmed from a partnership between Chestnut and Impossible Foods. Ahead of the 2025 competition, Chestnut addressed the controversy head-on, emphasizing that his outside partnerships never compromised his loyalty to the iconic frank-fest.
“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs,” he said. “To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with. I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”
Organizers said Chestnut’s return will add to the legacy of the competition.
“Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is the highlight of summer and one of our nation’s greatest holiday traditions,” Phil McCann, vice president of marketing at Nathan’s Famous said. “Nathan’s flagship restaurant on the corner of Surf and Stillwell stands at the patriotic epicenter of the year each July 4.”
As in years past, thousands of spectators will gather at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues to witness elite eaters from around the globe compete head-to-head — rather, bun-to-bun — in a test of speed and stomach space.
During the contest, competitors have 10 minutes to devour as many hot dogs and buns as possible. No condiments or utensils are permitted. Water is provided, but eaters are allowed to bring non-alcoholic beverages to help wash it all down.
The competition’s rich history dates back to 1916, when four immigrants held an impromptu eating contest at the original stand to settle a patriotic dispute. The first official contest began in 1972 and has been a Brooklyn fixture ever since.
Pre-show festivities begin at 10 a.m., with live performances and dance acts. The women’s competition is scheduled for 11 a.m., with the men’s competition at 12:30 p.m. — all taking place steps from the beach, the boardwalk and the “people’s playground.”
Last year, with Chestnut sidelined, competitive eating veteran Patrick Bertoletti seized the moment. In a dramatic upset, he downed 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the men’s title — his first-ever Nathan’s championship.
