Joey Chestnut, a 17-time winner of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, returned to Coney Island in 2025 after missing the 2024 competition due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating. Chestnut signed a deal with rival brand Impossible Foods, leading to a temporary ban.
"It was great. The audience is awesome, it's electric. It's good to be back after mending some fences," Chestnut said.
In his return, Chestnut downed 70 hot dogs, up from 62 in 2023. Since his first win in 2007, he has won 17 of the last 18 events, with Matt Stonie's 2015 upset being the sole exception.
Chestnut acknowledged his age but remains committed to competing. "As long as I'm competitive, healthy-I'm going to be involved."