NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Competitive eating legend Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will compete in the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest, marking his return to the annual event at Coney Island following last year's "ban," organizers said Monday.
Nathan’s Famous and Major League Eating confirmed Chestnut's return in a joint announcement, calling the event "the highlight of summer and one of our nation’s greatest holiday traditions."
Chestnut will seek to beat his own record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, set at the 2021 contest. In the last Nathan's contest he attended in 2023, he ate a still-impressive 62 hot dogs and buns.
Chestnut said he was "banned" from last year's Coney Island event following a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which specializes in vegan meat substitutes. Major League Eating said Chestnut had "chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs."
In a statement Monday, Chestnut said he was "thrilled to be returning" to the Nathan's competition at Surf and Stillwell avenues. "This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life."
The 41-year-old competitive eater also addressed his absence last year: "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. 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!" he said.
Last September, Chestnut beat rival Takeru Kobayashi—and his own world record—during the Netflix special “Unfinished Beef.” He ate 83 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, to Kobayashi's 66.
Last year’s winner of the Coney Island competition was Patrick Bertoletti, 39, who ate 58 hot dogs and buns. In the women’s competition, defending champion Miki Sudo won her 10th title and set a new world record by downing 51 links.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.