Joey Chestnut Returns to Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Contest After Ban Over Rival Promotion
This Fourth of July, Coney Island will once again host a familiar summer blockbuster — not a re-release of Spielberg’s Jaws, but the triumphant return of the man known as “Jaws” himself: Joey Chestnut.
The reigning titan of competitive eating is back in action at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after serving a one-year suspension. Chestnut was barred from the 2024 competition — an event he had dominated for nearly 20 years — for endorsing a rival brand of plant-based hot dogs. The move stirred controversy, with event host George Shea comparing it to Michael Jordan abandoning Nike for Adidas.
But now, the 41-year-old legend is returning, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. Chestnut, who devoured 83 hot dogs and buns in a 10-minute Netflix special last September, is aiming for his 17th Mustard Belt and perhaps a new event record.
“I’m thrilled to be returning,” Chestnut wrote on X. “This event is a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”
Addressing the controversy with measured words, he added: “While I’ve worked with various companies, including in the plant-based space, I’ve only ever officially partnered with Nathan’s in the hot dog world.”
Shea, the straw-hatted showman who helped elevate the event into a televised spectacle watched by millions, welcomed Chestnut’s return as a defining moment. “There’s definitely more excitement now that he’s back,” Shea said. “His entrance will be triumphant and explosive.”
Known for his theatrical and often poetic introductions, Shea said he’s been crafting Chestnut’s re-entry speech for weeks. “It’s not just the nickname. It’s the performance. Joey is larger than life,” he said. “I try to mix humor, absurdity, and grandeur. And with Joey, it always becomes epic.”
Topping his now-legendary 2015 introduction — which described Chestnut as a being heralded by a blazing comet, with victories transcribed in every known language (even Klingon) — won’t be easy. But Shea is ready for the challenge.
Last year’s champion, Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, and a strong field of contenders await, but expectations are high that Chestnut will reclaim his throne — and maybe even surpass his 2021 record of 76 hot dogs.
Still, Shea says the ultimate winner is the sport itself. “The past year had challenges. There were disagreements, but we kept talking. We made it happen,” he said. “Joey’s absence raised the stakes, and his return makes this year even more monumental.”
