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The Independent UK

Caitlin Hornik and Brittany Miller

Nathan’s hot dog eating contest: Joey Chestnut destroys competition, nearing record with 70.5 wieners

Joey Chestnut Nathan (Organization) ESPN2 ESPN3

The champions for this year’s annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest have been crowned.

Joey Chestnut delivered a dominating performance in his return to the competition. With 70.5 hot dogs and buns consumed, he secured his 17th title. He failed to meet or break his world record of 76 hot dogs and buns, set in 2021.

Chestnut returned to the Nathan’s competition this year after his 2024 ban following a sponsorship with Impossible Foods.

“I’ll be back next year,” Chestnut told the crowd after the huge win.

10-time winner Miki Sudo defended her women’s title after scarfing down 33 hot dogs and buns, winning her 11th title.

Contestants had just 10 minutes to devour as many hot dogs and buns as they can in the storied July 4th tradition.

Key points

Everything to know about the 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut announces return to Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on July 4th after ban
Why was Joey Chestnut banned from 2024 Nathan's hot dog eating contest?

How to watch the 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Thursday 3 July 2025 16:36 , Caitlin Hornik

The 2025 competition will kick off at 10:45 a.m. ET with the women’s contest, which will air on ESPN3.

Then, at 12 p.m. ET, the men will take the stage to compete on ESPN2.

You can find all the other info you need, plus color from Thursday’s weigh-in event, here:

Joey Chestnut’s back: Here’s what to expect from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Who won the contest in 2024?

Friday 4 July 2025 13:30 , Caitlin Hornik

The 2024 men’s champion was first-time winner Patrick Bertoletti, who ate 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

Miki Sudo won her tenth title after eating 51 hot dogs and buns to secure her 2024 victory.

Reigning champion Patrick Bertoletti is looking forward to contest

Friday 4 July 2025 13:45 , Brittany Miller

In the absence of Chestnut, Patrick Bertoletti took the top prize in the 2024 men’s contest. Bertoletti told me he was looking forward to competing against the world-record holder on Friday.

“Last year wasn’t the same without him,” he said. “I wouldn’t bet against me or Joey, but he’s coming to eat tomorrow, that’s for sure.”

As far as his goals for the contest go, despite wanting to break Chestnut’s world record, the reigning champ said he’d still “be happy” to clear at least 50 hot dogs.

Chestnut and Bertoletti face off

Friday 4 July 2025 14:00 , Brittany Miller

Every year, Major League Eating, the company behind the annual contest, hosts a weigh-in that serves as both an introduction to the eaters and an opportunity for the top four eaters to “stare each other down.”

However, the crowd could barely contain itself as friends, Chestnut and Bertoletti, struggled to look angry at one another and kept making funny faces.

The top two men competing against each other this year are 16-time winner and world-record holder Joey Chestnut, and last year’s champion, Patrick Bertoletti (Brittany Miller/The Independent)

Mother-daughter duo set to compete

Friday 4 July 2025 14:15 , Brittany Miller

Isabeau Prettyman is the youngest ever competitor in the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest at just 18 years old. She grew up watching her mother, 42-year-old Katie Prettyman, compete.

Although they’ve been training since March, neither of them is looking to break reigning champion Sudo’s record of 51 hot dogs.

“My personal best is 16 hot dogs, and I don’t think I should ever be eating 51 hot dogs,” Katie shared.

“I’ve been a summer camp counselor, so I haven’t been training lately,” Isabeau chimed in. “My personal best is eleven and a half, but I’d be happy if I ate 10.”

Crowds are packing Coney Island already

Friday 4 July 2025 14:24 , Brittany Miller

Crowds of people started lining up around 8 am, according to event organizers. As of 9:04 a.m. the line is wrapped around the block.

Crowds are lining up for the Nathan's hot dog eating contest (Brittany Miller/The Independent)

Pre-show festivities kick off at 10 a.m.

Friday 4 July 2025 14:33 , Brittany Miller

Most of the crowd on Coney Island has already filtered in despite pre-show festivities not starting for over half an hour.

The first contest doesn’t take place until 10:45 a.m.

No protestors have been seen yet.

Joey Chestnut famously took down a protester in 2022 as he won another hog dog eating title.

Gustaf Kilander reported at the time:

Joey Chestnut tackles protester while achieving another hot dog eating record

Everything we know about the 2025 contest

Friday 4 July 2025 14:38 , Caitlin Hornik

After yesterday’s weigh-in, contestants will face off on Coney Island today.

Brittany Miller reports:

Joey Chestnut’s back: Here’s what to expect from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Reigning women's champion Miki Sudo is married to another competitor

Friday 4 July 2025 14:47 , Caitlin Hornik

10-time Nathan’s title winner Miki Sudo and men’s contestant Nick Wehry are considered the first family of competitive eating.

The couple met the morning of the Nathan’s contest in 2018.

They were married a few years later and have welcomed a son.

According to today’s Major League Eating rankings, Sudo sits in the number five slot, while Wehry is just behind her at number six.

How many people are expected to attend the contest?

Friday 4 July 2025 14:52 , Caitlin Hornik

Each year, about 40,000 people flock to Coney Island to watch the contest in-person.

The competition takes place outside the original Nathan’s location just off the boardwalk.

Millions of hot dogs will be eaten today

Friday 4 July 2025 15:03 , Caitlin Hornik

According to Ripley’s, 155 million hot dogs are expected to be consumed on July 4.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, about 7 billion hot dogs are consumed. That boils down to about 800 per second.

But which city is the top dog?

That’d be Los Angeles, which consumes 39 million per year — more than any other city in the United States!

Signs of protesters

Friday 4 July 2025 15:14 , Brittany Miller

I’m seeing signs that look like the Nathan’s logo, but they’re actually signs that say “Howard out now,” which is apparently a movement to oust the executive chairman of the board of Nathan’s.

Protesters have been spotted (Brittany Miller/The Independent)

Who are the women competing?

Friday 4 July 2025 15:24 , Caitlin Hornik

This year’s slate of contestants in the women’s competition includes:

Reigning champion Miki Sudo
Michelle “Cardboard Shell” Lesco
Domenica Dee
Tandra Childress
Katie Prettyman
Larell Marie Mele
Isabeau Prettyman
Jocelyn Young
Kelly Lewis
Camille O’Brien
Cherish Brown
Madison Barone
Laura Beitler

Coney Island crowd thickens

Friday 4 July 2025 15:29 , Brittany Miller

The crowd is definitely thickening as it gets closer to the women’s contest start time at 10:45 a.m. The men will follow at 12 p.m.

Some crowd updates: the area near the stage has been filled so they’ve expanded along the outside of the boardwalk.

Many people are here specifically for Joey Chestnut.

Many people have arrived at Coney Island specifically to see Joey Chestnut compete (Brittany Miller/The Independent)

The crowd is wrapping around nearby buildings as the competition nears (Brittany Miller/The Independent)

Fans are excited for Chestnut's return

Friday 4 July 2025 15:42 , Caitlin Hornik

Social media is ablaze with chatter about Chestnut’s highly anticipated return to the annual competition.

“All is right with the World on the 4th of July. Joey Chestnut has returned to the Hot Dog eating contest,” one person wrote on X.

“Happy 4th and Joey Chestnut Day everybody,” another wrote.

“Nobody gets between a plate of hot dogs and Joey Chestnut!” someone else wrote.

“It's good to hear Joey Chestnut is going to be competing today. The Fourth of July just isn't the same without him,” another said.

All is right with the World on the 4th of July. Joey Chestnut has returned to the Hot Dog eating contest
— Upton Bell (@uptonbell) July 4, 2025

Great weather for contest

Friday 4 July 2025 15:47 , Caitlin Hornik

Weather is “unseasonably mild” on Coney Island this morning, as described on ESPN3 just ahead of the women’s competition.

It’s about 79 degrees with 49% humidity.

Women's competitors being introduced

Friday 4 July 2025 15:54 , Caitlin Hornik

The women’s portion of the competition is about to get underway on ESPN3.

Contestants are being announced and walking across a platform to get to their designated section of the table.

Miki Sudo is ready to eat

Friday 4 July 2025 15:58 , Caitlin Hornik

Sudo hopped up to the platform during the introductions donning the Pink Belt.

Ten-time champion and world record-holder Sudo has previously eaten 51 hot dogs and buns in the contest.

Two minutes in and Lesko is on Sudo's tail

Friday 4 July 2025 16:03 , Caitlin Hornik

Sudo had downed 9 hot dogs and buns after two minutes of competition. Lesko was right behind with seven eaten.

Four minutes down, six to go

Friday 4 July 2025 16:05 , Caitlin Hornik

Miki Sudo is in the lead with 16 hot dogs eaten, while Lesco is behind with 11.

Halfway point!

Friday 4 July 2025 16:06 , Caitlin Hornik

Sudo has eaten 18 hot dogs, Lesco is behind with 13.

Three minutes left!

Friday 4 July 2025 16:08 , Caitlin Hornik

Sudo has hit 23 hot dogs, pulling well ahead of the competition.

Watching the live stream from home is ... something

Friday 4 July 2025 16:09 , Caitlin Hornik

I’m sitting with my family gathered around my laptop as we watch the women’s competition.

Some of us are grossed out, others are cheering ... and I’m nauseous.

One minute to go

Friday 4 July 2025 16:10 , Caitlin Hornik

Sudo has eaten 29 hot dogs with one minute to go!

Joey Chestnut's statement

Friday 4 July 2025 16:11 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut announced his return to the Nathan’s competition only a few weeks ago.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” he began.

“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. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with,” Chestnut continued.

“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! Stay hungry!”

I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life. (1/3)
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 16, 2025

Sudo wins!

Friday 4 July 2025 16:14 , Caitlin Hornik

With 33 hot dogs eaten, Miki Sudo wins her 11th Nathan’s title.

Michelle Lesco ate 22.5 hot dogs to come in second, followed by Domenica Dee in third.

Sudo comments after winning

Friday 4 July 2025 16:16 , Caitlin Hornik

“I’m thinking the buns were more filling than usual,” Sudo said after the win.

“I feel like I let the fans down a little bit,” she continued.

Fans were encouraging her to go for 52 to break her own world record.

“I refuse to lose. I refuse to give up,” she said of securing her 11th title.

Who are the men competing?

Friday 4 July 2025 16:31 , Caitlin Hornik

This year’s slate of men’s contestants includes:

16-time winner Joey Chestnut
Reigning champion Patrick Bertoletti
James Webb
Nicholas Wehry
Geoffrey Esper
Max Stanford
Derek Hendrickson
George Chiger
Ricardo Corbucci
Gideon Oji
Adrian Morgan
Radim Dvořáček
Darrien Thomas
Cameron Meade
Jerome Burns

Joey Chestnut odds of winning revealed

Friday 4 July 2025 16:38 , Caitlin Hornik

As of 11:38 a.m., BetMGM had Joey Chestnut’s odds of winning at -2000.

Reigning champion Patrick Bertoletti is +900 to win the event.

Minutes away from men's competition

Friday 4 July 2025 16:50 , Caitlin Hornik

With just over ten minutes to go until the men’s contest, fans are sharing their excitement to see Joey Chestnut back in action.

“I don’t know one singular person who doesn’t get fired up to watch American gluttony and the legend of JOEY CHESTNUT,” one person wrote on X.

“Joey Chestnut back like he left somethin. He's there to claim what's his!!! He about to smash that contest again lol,” another wrote.

Chestnut returns

Friday 4 July 2025 17:01 , Caitlin Hornik

After missing the 2024 competition due to a brand deal with a competitor, Joey Chestnut is back.

He’ll try to reclaim the Nathan’s title in a matter of minutes.

The men’s competition is about to get underway live on ESPN2.

Weather update ahead of men's contest

Friday 4 July 2025 17:04 , Caitlin Hornik

The ESPN2 commentators provided a weather update minutes before the men’s competition is set to start.

It’s 78 degrees on Coney Island with 46% humidity, a pleasantly mild day for July 4.

Chestnut speaks moments before contest

Friday 4 July 2025 17:06 , Caitlin Hornik

In his 20th Nathan’s appearance, Chestnut is looking to recapture his glory.

“If we all get personal bests, I should win,” Chestnut told ESPN2 of the competition he’s up against.

ESPN2 re-airing women's competition

Friday 4 July 2025 17:15 , Caitlin Hornik

If you missed the women’s competition earlier, it’s currently airing on ESPN2 ahead of the live men’s contest.

What do the winners receive?

Friday 4 July 2025 17:19 , Caitlin Hornik

The total purse for this year’s Nathan’s hot dog eating contest is $40,000, according to Draft Kings.

The two winners each receive $10,000.

The respective second place winners each receive $5,000, while the third place finishers each win $2,500.

Sudo speaks to ESPN after her win

Friday 4 July 2025 17:23 , Caitlin Hornik

“When things are tough, you don’t give up. You keep going,” Sudo said after her win.

He also remarked that the buns were more filling this year than she remembered, which may have been why she struggled to come close to her previous record of 51.

She ate 33 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win her 11th title Friday morning.

Chestnut speaks to ESPN2

Friday 4 July 2025 17:27 , Caitlin Hornik

“The record’s always a goal, but I want to find the rhythm,” Chestnut said of chasing his world record of 76 hot dogs.

He then cackled when asked if his 2025 comeback feels like a Michael Jordan moment. He didn’t compete in 2024 due to a brand deal with a Nathan’s competitor.

Chestnut is seeking his 17th Nathan’s title.

Introductions for the men are underway

Friday 4 July 2025 17:31 , Caitlin Hornik

“It’s go time,” announcer Rich Shea said.

The men are taking their positions.

Contestant fun facts shared

Friday 4 July 2025 17:35 , Caitlin Hornik

During the introductions, a fun fact about each contestant flashes across the screen.

One male competitor has two master’s degrees in trumpet performance.

Another is a “doughnut specialist.”

Someone else holds the world record for Spray Cheese in a Can.

Patrick Bertoletti and Joey Chestnut take their places

Friday 4 July 2025 17:41 , Caitlin Hornik

Bertoletti is the reigning champion.

Chestnut is back after a one-year absence.

Cheers of “Joey” can be heard. Signs are on display saying “Joey Chestnut, I want to have your baby.”

The contest will begin in just moments.

And they're off!

Friday 4 July 2025 17:45 , Caitlin Hornik

The men’s contest is underway!

The contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as they can for the chance to win the coveted Mustard Belt.

One minute down and they're neck-and-neck

Friday 4 July 2025 17:46 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut has scarfed down 11 dogs.

The leaderboard is changing nearly every second.

Chestnut is looking to hit 50 hot dogs in five minutes

Friday 4 July 2025 17:47 , Caitlin Hornik

After two minutes of competition, Chestnut’s already at 20.

Bertoletti is right behind him with 16.

Chestnut in the lead after three minutes

Friday 4 July 2025 17:48 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut has established a solid lead over the rest of the competitors after three minutes, with 30 hot dogs down.

Four minutes down, six to go

Friday 4 July 2025 17:49 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut hit 38 hot dogs, with Bertoletti firmly in second place with 26.

Chestnut hits 46 at the halfway point

Friday 4 July 2025 17:50 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut is averaging about nine hot dogs per minute at the halfway mark.

Five minutes remain.

Four minutes down, six to go

Friday 4 July 2025 17:51 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut hit 50 hot dogs with four minutes and 10 seconds to go!

This is ... gross

Friday 4 July 2025 17:52 , Caitlin Hornik

Watching these grown men stuff their faces, with water droplets and bun fragments flying, is really vomit-inducing.

How they do it, I cannot begin to comprehend.

Two minutes left

Friday 4 July 2025 17:53 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut has hit 60 hot dogs.

Bertoletti is over 20 hot dogs behind.

One more minute!

Friday 4 July 2025 17:54 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut is within reaching distance of his own record of 76 hot dogs.

He’s eaten 64 with one minute to go.

Chestnut wins by a mile but fails to break record

Friday 4 July 2025 17:55 , Caitlin Hornik

He cleared Bertoletti by nearly 30 hot dogs.

Official results pending, but it looks like Chestnut hit 70 hot dogs.

Men's official results: Chestnut hits 70.5

Friday 4 July 2025 18:00 , Caitlin Hornik

Chestnut has secured his 17th Nathan’s title. He ate 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, nearly besting his own world record but falling short by 6.

Bertoletti came in second with 46.5.

James Webb took third place with 45.5 hot dogs.

Chestnut addresses the crowd

Friday 4 July 2025 18:01 , Caitlin Hornik

“I was excited. I love being here. I wish I ate a couple more, I’m sorry guys,” Chestnut told the crowd, decked out in the iconic Mustard Belt and holding a giant plate of hot dogs.

“I’ll be back next year.”

Crowd goes wild for Chestnut

Friday 4 July 2025 18:12 , Caitlin Hornik

Viewers watching in-person and at-home were thrilled to see Chestnut’s return.

“Joey Chestnut is a National Treasure!” one person wrote on X.

“Joey Chestnut an American legend,” another said.

“This is your yearly reminder that the best athlete in the world is Joey Chestnut,” someone else said.

“Joey Chestnut is more dominant than any other athlete in any sport ever at any point in time, and we’re lucky enough to be alive at the same time,” another wrote.

“Death, taxes & Joey Chestnut annihilating hot dogs,” someone else shared.