Coney Island, New York - July 4, 2025
Incredible Joey "Jaws" Chestnut seemed to rise again on July 4, 2025, as he gulped down 70½ hot dogs in 10 minutes at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest to claim his 17th crown, much to the adulating crowd on America's Independence Day.
This year the comeback following 2024's dramatic absence caused by a sponsorship dispute was hailed as one of the momentous occasions. With the issue resolved, cheers erupted when Chestnut finally stepped again onto the world-famous Coney Island stage, where he developed his legacy for almost two decades.
After the ceremony, Chestnut expressed, "This event is part of who I am. Being back here, in front of the fans, means everything," right after he clinched back his coveted Mustard Belt.
The King Returns
Not showing any sign of age at 41, just a drop in whatever world appetite she had, this was way below his personal best and world record of 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes set in 2021. Still, 70 dogs seemed a little too much of a contest for any of the challengers. This victory cements him as one of the longest-serving and most successful contestants in the competitive eating world.
Chestnut overcame a savage field of international contenders led by young guns and old stallions, reasserting an era of unrivaled consistency, speed, and stomach capacity.
Sudo Secures Her Reign
On the women's side, 33 hot dogs, the 11th title for Miki Sudo, would be enough to carry her performance. While she did not set her own record of 51 hot dogs in 2024, there can be no argument that her reign has felt protected.
"It wasn't my best number, but I'm proud to defend my title. This is where legends are made", said Sudo.
Electric Atmosphere on the Fourth
A festive atmosphere took over as tens of thousands filled in at Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, with the crowd donning foam hot dog hats and waving small American flags. The event was broadcast around the country, full of chants of "USA" and an environment of patriotic celebration.
This year's contest had additional weight attached as it marked the triumphant return of Chestnut after being absent from the match for a year following the disagreement arising from the branding partnership with the management of the event. With relations now restored, the fans and sponsors were all excited to see the face of competitive eating back right where it belongs.
Looking Ahead
Chestnut's bishop regained another ceremony to further engrave his legendary run. His eyes are now set on breaking his own record and perhaps extending his dominance far into the future. Competitive eating insiders speculate that, should his health and hunger, i.e., physics, hold, he could, by his own account, reach 20 titles before saying farewell.
Meanwhile, the fans cannot wait to see if there will be any contender able to rise to Chestnut's level. With increasing interest in the sport and viewership breaking records once again this year, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest remains one of the most exciting and uniquely American spectacles to grace the summer.
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