Joey Chestnut Wins 17th Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut is top dog once more.
The competitive eater emerged victorious in the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City after ingesting a staggering 70.5 wieners within 10 minutes, helping him claim his 17th non-consecutive win at the annual event.
While Joey, 41, managed to scarf down 24 more hot dogs than his next closest rival Patrick Bertoletti, he admitted to falling short of his own expectations.
“My goal was 70 to 77,” he told ESPN moments after his triumph. “I really wanted a little bit more, but you know what? There’s next year. I’m just happy I’m here.”
Indeed, Joey—who consumed a record-breaking 76 wieners in 2021—pointed out that his biggest obstacle is often himself.
“Showing up is the hardest part sometimes,” he continued. “But I love being here. As soon as I found out I was coming, my body was easy to train. I love doing it. I love pushing myself and beating the heck out of people.”
After scoring his first Mustard Yellow Belt in 2007, Joey embarked on an eight-year winning streak before being defeated by Matt Stonie in 2015. He reclaimed the title the following year, kicking off another hot streak that would continue through 2023.
Last year, however, Joey was barred from competing after Major League Eating, the contest’s organizer, ruled that his sponsorship deal with plant-based alternative Impossible Foods—deemed a competitor to Nathan’s—made him ineligible to compete, an MLE spokesperson told ESPN at the time.
Fortunately, the matter appeared to be resolved in June when Joey announced his return to the competition.
“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space,” he wrote on Instagram June 16, “those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs.”
To see how other stars are spending the Fourth of July, keep reading.
The Honestly Cavallari star threw up a peace sign as she celebrated the holiday with her eldest son, whom she shares with ex Jay Cutler.
The reality star made shore to include her kids in her 4th of July festivities.
The As Ever founder put her product to work for the perfect holiday charcuterie spread.
Baby on board. The former Miss Universe contestant shared a glimpse into her celebration amid her pregnancy with her and husband Christian McCaffrey's first baby.
Cousin love! Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's daughter Dream joined Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson's kids True and Tatum for some 4th fun.
The Khloe in Wonder Land podcast host pulled out all the stops for her Fourth of July celebration.
Sweeter than ice cream. The mother-daughter duo posed for a selfie amid the Fourth of July fun.
The couple celebrated the Fourth of July and their 23rd anniversary. As Danny wrote in a July 4th Instagram post, "The fun continues… and a happy 4th to all."
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