What's happened
Joey Chestnut reclaimed his title at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2025, consuming 70.5 hot dogs. This victory marks his 17th championship after missing last year's event due to a sponsorship dispute. Miki Sudo also defended her title in the women's competition, continuing her winning streak.
What's behind the headline?
Competitive Eating's Cultural Significance
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is more than just a food competition; it reflects American culture's fascination with excess and competition.
- Joey Chestnut's Legacy: With his 17th title, Chestnut solidifies his status as a legend in the sport, showcasing not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude. His return after a year away highlights the importance of brand relationships in competitive sports.
- Miki Sudo's Dominance: Sudo's continued success emphasizes the growing recognition of female competitors in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Her ability to maintain a winning streak inspires many aspiring female athletes.
- Public Engagement: The event draws large crowds and media attention, serving as a reminder of the unique American tradition of competitive eating. It fosters community and celebration, despite the bizarre nature of the competition.
This year's contest, marked by Chestnut's return and Sudo's victory, will likely influence future sponsorships and athlete participation in competitive eating events.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Joey Chestnut's return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest was highly anticipated after he missed the previous year due to a sponsorship dispute. Chestnut stated, "We didn’t burn any bridges. I love this event," indicating a positive resolution with Major League Eating. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo, who defended her title, continues to break barriers for women in competitive eating, having set a record last year with 51 hot dogs. The Independent highlights the event's long-standing tradition since 1972, emphasizing its cultural significance in America. Business Insider UK notes the underdog competitors, like Cherish Brown, who participate for the love of the sport rather than to win, showcasing the diverse motivations behind the competition.
How we got here
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held annually since 1972 at Coney Island, New York. Joey Chestnut, a dominant figure in competitive eating, returned this year after a year-long absence due to a sponsorship dispute with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company.
Go deeper
- What happened to Madison Barone during the contest?
- How does competitive eating impact American culture?
- What are the rules of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
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What Happened at the 2025 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a staple of American summer celebrations, and the 2025 event was no exception. With Joey Chestnut reclaiming his title after a year away, many are curious about the details of this year's competition. From his preparation to the records he broke, here are the answers to your burning questions.
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How Did Joey Chestnut Win the Nathan's Hot Dog Contest?
Joey Chestnut has once again made headlines by reclaiming his title at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. This annual event, held on July 4th, showcases the incredible feats of competitive eaters. But how did Chestnut achieve this remarkable victory, and what does it mean for his legacy in the world of competitive eating? Below, we explore some common questions surrounding this iconic contest and Chestnut's impressive career.
More on these topics
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Joseph Christian Chestnut is an American competitive eater. He is currently ranked first in the world by Major League Eating. He is a Vallejo, California, native and resides in Westfield, Indiana. Chestnut's height is 6 ft 0 in; his weight is 230 pounds.
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Coney Island is a residential and commercial neighborhood and entertainment area, located on a peninsula in the southwestern part of the borough of Brooklyn in New York City.
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Miki Victoria Sudo is an American competitive eater. She won the women's competition at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year from 2014-2020, unseating Sonya Thomas, who had won the women's competition since its inception in 2011.
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.