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Joey Chestnut makes triumphant return to hot dog eating contest
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Jul 4, 2025
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By
Catalina Gonella
Published Jul 4, 2025
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If there’s one thing about Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, it’s that he’s going to win Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The ferocious competitive eater took home the Mustard Belt for the 17th time on Friday after being forced to sit out the competition last year amid a dispute with the organizers.
Chestnut made 70 ½ hot dogs disappear in the 10-minute, all-you-can-eat competition, a whopping 40 ½ more than runner up Derek "Heavy D" Hendrikson, organizers Major League Eating announced on X.
Miki Sudo at the 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.
“America’s Fourth of July tradition didn’t disappoint today as Joey Chestnut once again proved why he's the undisputed legend of competitive eating,” the post read.
Chestnut announced his return to the competition last month. He was barred from the competition due to a dispute with Major League Eating after he signed a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which makes vegan hot dogs. But the two sides reached a deal this time around, allowing him to participate in this Friday’s contest.
In the women’s competition earlier in the day, undefeated champion Miki Sudo took the win after downing 33 hot dogs in 10 minutes, securing her 11th win in the last 12 years.
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Catalina Gonella
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