Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025: Joey Chestnut Returns for His 17th Mustard Belt
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is back with its signature mix of buns, bravado, and belt-worthy records—and this year, it’s personal. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut returns to Coney Island on July 4 after a dramatic absence in 2024 due to a contract dispute over plant-based sponsorships. Now, at 41 years old, Chestnut is hungry for redemption.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 Contest
The event takes place outside Nathan’s original location in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, as it has for over 50 years.
Broadcast Schedule (Eastern Time):
- 10:45 a.m. – Women’s Contest (ESPN3)
- 11:00 a.m. – Miki Sudo Cam (ESPN3)
- 12:00 p.m. – Men’s Contest (ESPN2)
- 12:30 p.m. – Joey Chestnut Cam (ESPN3)
- 5:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – Main event re-airs
ESPN has aired the contest since 2004 and extended its contract through 2029, ensuring fans never miss a bite.
Joey Chestnut’s Comeback Story
Chestnut missed last year’s competition after a sponsorship conflict involving Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company. In his absence, Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti claimed victory with 58 hot dogs and buns. But Chestnut, who holds the all-time record of 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes (2021) and 83 in a separate Netflix special (2024), is ready to reclaim his title.
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“I’m thrilled to be returning,” Chestnut said. “Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
Who Else to Watch in 2025
Miki Sudo, 39, continued her reign in the women’s division with 33 hot dogs, securing her 11th title—despite a personal record of 51 last year. “The buns felt larger today,” she joked after the match.
Other competitors come from across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, England, and the Czech Republic. Still, all eyes are on Chestnut and Bertoletti in the men’s match, and Sudo in the women’s.
How the Contest Works
Competitors have 10 minutes to eat as many Nathan’s hot dogs (with buns) as possible. They can:
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- Dunk the dogs in water or drinks to ease swallowing
- Eat partial dogs (they count)
- Finish chewing dogs already in their mouths at the final buzzer
Messy eating or regurgitation earns penalties, and ties result in sudden-death eat-offs.
What’s the Prize?
The total purse is $40,000, split between divisions:
- 1st place: $10,000
- 2nd place: $5,000
- 3rd place: $2,500
Winners also earn the coveted Mustard Belt—competitive eating’s highest honor.
A Star-Studded Spectacle
The event has become more than just a contest. With George Shea’s theatrical introductions, foam hot dog hats, and national media coverage, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest now draws over 2 million viewers and massive crowds every July 4.
For Shea, Chestnut’s return is nothing short of historic. “His entrance will be triumphant and explosive,” he promised, hinting at another epic speech in the works.
Will Joey Chestnut reclaim the Mustard Belt—or will Patrick Bertoletti defend his title? Who are you rooting for this year?
More…
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/04/joey-chestnut-hotdog-eating-nathans-contest
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/joey-jaws-chestnut-hopes-for-a-comeback-victory-in-annual-nathans-famous-hot-dog-eating-contest
- https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/45621754/2025-nathan-hot-dog-eating-contest-channel-prize
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