On July 4, 2025, the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, will once again host one of America’s most iconic Independence Day traditions: the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. This annual spectacle, a celebration of competitive eating, draws thousands of spectators and millions of viewers worldwide, blending athleticism, patriotism, and sheer spectacle. With the return of legendary hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut after a controversial 2024 ban, the 2025 contest promises to be a historic showdown. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo, the reigning women’s champion, aims to extend her dominance, and Patrick Bertoletti, the 2024 men’s winner, looks to defend his title against fierce competition, including Geoffrey Esper. This comprehensive news story dives into the history, key players, records, and everything you need to know about the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025.
A Storied Tradition: The Origins of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, often referred to as the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest or simply the hot dog contest, is a hallmark of Independence Day celebrations in the United States. Held annually on July 4 at Nathan’s Famous’ original restaurant in Coney Island, the event has been a staple since its first recorded competition in 1972, though a popular (and debunked) legend claims it began in 1916 when four immigrants competed to prove their patriotism.
The contest, sanctioned by Major League Eating (MLE) since 1997, has evolved from a quirky local event into a global phenomenon, thanks to the efforts of promoters like brothers Richard and George Shea, who transformed it into a spectacle in the 1990s. Their flair for dramatic introductions and branding competitors as athletes elevated the hotdog eating contest to a cultural touchstone, drawing massive crowds and media attention.
Today, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is broadcast live on ESPN, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 fans expected to attend in person in 2025. The event features both men’s and women’s divisions, with competitors vying for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt (men’s) and Pink Belt (women’s), along with a share of a $40,000 prize pool.
Joey Chestnut’s Triumphant Return
The 2025 contest is generating unprecedented buzz due to the return of Joey Chestnut, the undisputed king of competitive eating. Known as “Jaws,” Chestnut has won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 16 times, holding the hot dog eating record of 76 hot dogs and buns consumed in 10 minutes, set in 2021. His dominance spans two eight-year winning streaks (2007–2014 and 2016–2023), interrupted only by a loss to Matt Stonie in 2015.
However, Chestnut’s absence in 2024 sparked headlines when he was banned from the competition due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company producing plant-based hot dogs, which conflicted with Nathan’s exclusivity rules. Major League Eating (MLE) stated that Chestnut was welcome to return if he severed ties with rival brands, but he opted to compete in a separate event at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he consumed 57 hot dogs in five minutes, outpacing a team of four soldiers.
The ban sparked debate among fans, with many arguing that the Coney Island hot dog contest was incomplete without its biggest star. Chestnut himself expressed disappointment, noting that the event is a “cherished tradition” and a “celebration of American culture.” After negotiations, Chestnut and Nathan’s reached an agreement, allowing his return in 2025. “I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do,” Chestnut said in a social media post announcing his comeback.
Chestnut’s return sets the stage for a blockbuster showdown. Bookmakers have pegged him as a -1600 favorite to reclaim the Mustard Belt, reflecting his unparalleled Joey Chestnut hot dog stats: 1,219 hot dogs consumed over 19 appearances, averaging over 70 per contest in recent years.
Why Was Joey Chestnut Banned?
The question of why was Joey Chestnut banned in 2024 remains a point of intrigue. The controversy stemmed from Chestnut’s endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, which violated MLE’s exclusivity provisions prohibiting competitors from endorsing rival hot dog brands. MLE and Nathan’s offered Chestnut an appearance fee and permitted him to compete in a separate, unbranded contest on Labor Day, but he demanded an apology, which was not forthcoming. Instead, Chestnut faced off against his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a Netflix-streamed event titled “Unfinished Beef,” where he consumed a record-breaking 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes, surpassing his own Joey Chestnut hot dog record.
In 2025, Chestnut clarified that his partnerships with plant-based companies were “never a conflict with my love for hot dogs.” After finding “common ground” with Nathan’s, he was reinstated, much to the delight of fans who felt his absence diminished the 2024 event.
Patrick Bertoletti: The Reigning Champion’s Challenge
With Chestnut sidelined in 2024, Chicago’s Patrick Bertoletti seized the opportunity, winning his first Mustard Belt by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The 39-year-old, ranked ninth by MLE before the contest, described the victory as “life-changing,” noting that Chestnut’s absence gave him a rare shot at glory. “Always a bridesmaid and never a bride,” Bertoletti quipped, “but today I am getting married.”
Bertoletti’s Patrick Bertoletti hot dog stats include a personal best of 55 hot dogs prior to 2024, making his 58-hot-dog performance a career highlight. However, facing Chestnut in 2025 will be a daunting task. Analysts suggest Bertoletti has been training rigorously, with rumors that he’s “upping his numbers” to challenge Chestnut’s typical 70-plus hot dog average. “I love him,” Chestnut said of Bertoletti, “but I’m gonna drop the hammer.”
Miki Sudo: The Queen of the Women’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo remains the dominant force. The top-ranked female competitive eater has won the women’s hot dog eating contest 10 times, including a record-setting 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024. Sudo, who holds the women’s world record for eating six hot dogs in one minute, is a -2500 favorite to claim her 11th Pink Belt in 2025.
Sudo’s consistency is remarkable, with seven consecutive victories from 2014 to 2020 and three straight wins from 2022 to 2024. Her only loss since 2014 came in 2021, when she was absent due to pregnancy, and Michelle Lesco won with 30.75 hot dogs. Sudo’s 2024 performance, which set a new women’s hot dog eating record, solidified her status as the top female champion.
In 2025, Sudo faces competition from contenders like Michelle Lesco (+1600 odds) and Domenica Dee (+1600), but her experience and technique—often involving dunking buns in water for faster consumption—make her a formidable opponent. Sudo’s husband, Nick Wehry, also competes in the men’s division, adding a unique family dynamic to the event.
Takeru Kobayashi: The Legend Who Changed the Game
While Chestnut and Sudo dominate today’s headlines, Takeru Kobayashi remains a pivotal figure in the contest’s history. Known as “The Tsunami,” Kobayashi revolutionized competitive eating when he debuted in 2001, consuming 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes—doubling the previous record of 25.5. His innovative techniques, such as snapping hot dogs in half and dunking buns in water, set a new standard and elevated the Kobayashi hot dog legacy.
Kobayashi won six consecutive Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contests from 2001 to 2006, but his tenure ended in controversy. In 2010, he was banned from the event after a contract dispute with MLE, culminating in his arrest for attempting to storm the stage. In 2011, he held a solo exhibition, consuming 69 hot dogs, outpacing Chestnut’s 62 in that year’s contest. His 2024 Netflix face-off with Chestnut, where he was defeated 83-66, reaffirmed Chestnut’s superiority but highlighted Kobayashi’s enduring relevance.
Though Kobayashi is not expected to compete in 2025, his influence looms large, with many crediting him for transforming the hotdog eating contest into a global spectacle.
When and Where Is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025?
For those wondering when is the hot dog eating contest or when is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025, the event is scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025, at Nathan’s Famous’ flagship location at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. The hot dog eating contest time is as follows:
- Women’s Contest: Begins at 10:45 a.m. ET, with competition starting around 11:00 a.m. ET.
- Men’s Contest: Begins at 12:00 p.m. ET, with competition starting around 12:30 p.m. ET.
The hot dog eating contest 2025 time aligns with the event’s traditional Independence Day schedule, ensuring it remains a centerpiece of Fourth of July festivities. Pre-show festivities, including live performances and George Shea’s legendary introductions, start at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Which Place Holds a Hot Dog Contest on Independence Day?
The Coney Island hot dog contest is the definitive answer to which place holds a hotdog contest on Independence Day. While other eating competitions occur nationwide, none rival the prestige and visibility of Nathan’s event, held annually at its original Coney Island location since 1972.
How to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025
For those asking how to watch Nathan’s Hot Dogs Contest 2025 or where to watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the event will be broadcast live on ESPN networks. Here’s the breakdown:
- Women’s Contest: Airs on ESPN3 at 10:45 a.m. ET, with a dedicated “Miki Sudo Camera” highlighting the champion.
- Men’s Contest: Airs on ESPN2 at 12:00 p.m. ET, with a “Joey Chestnut Cam” on ESPN3 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Streaming: Both contests are available on ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and streaming services like fuboTV.
For those wondering what channel is the hot dog eating contest on or what channel is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on, ESPN2 and ESPN3 are your go-to channels. The hot dog eating contest live broadcast ensures fans worldwide can witness the action, with an estimated 50,000 spectators attending in person in past years.
Where to Watch the Hot Dog Eating Contest
If you’re in New York, head to Coney Island to experience the hot dog eating contest where to watch in person. Arrive early to secure a spot near the stage, as crowds can swell to 25,000. For remote viewers, where can I watch the hot dog eating contest is answered by tuning into ESPN2, ESPN3, or streaming platforms like fuboTV.
The 2024 Contest: A Year Without Chestnut
The 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was a turning point, marked by Chestnut’s absence and a cheating scandal involving men’s competitor Nick Wehry, who was accused of manipulating his plate count. Despite the controversy, Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious with 58 hot dogs, while Miki Sudo set a women’s record with 51. The event, while successful, felt incomplete to many fans without Chestnut, who competed separately in Texas and later set a new hot dog eating contest record of 83 hot dogs against Kobayashi.
The Competitors: Who’s Who in 2025
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dogs Contest features a diverse field of 15 men and 13 women, including veterans and newcomers from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, and England. Notable competitors include:
- Joey Chestnut: The 41-year-old, 16-time champion from Westfield, Indiana, aiming to break his 76-hot-dog record.
- Patrick Bertoletti: The 40-year-old defending champion from Chicago, Illinois, with a personal best of 58 hot dogs.
- Geoffrey Esper: The No. 2-ranked eater, with a personal best of 51.75 hot dogs, known for his consistency.
- James Webb: The Australian No. 5-ranked eater, with a personal best of 47 hot dogs and multiple world records in other foods.
- Miki Sudo: The 38-year-old women’s champion, with a record 51 hot dogs in 2024.
- Michelle Lesco: The 2021 women’s champion, a formidable contender with +1600 odds.
- Nick Wehry: Sudo’s husband, a top-10 ranked eater seeking redemption after the 2024 scandal.
The Prize and Prestige
Winners of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest receive $10,000 and the coveted Mustard or Pink Belt, with $5,000 for second place and $2,500 for third. The belts, bedazzled and emblazoned with Nathan’s logo, are a symbol of competitive eating supremacy. Beyond the cash, the event offers global exposure, with past champions like Chestnut and Kobayashi becoming household names.
Joey Chestnut’s Net Worth and Legacy
The question of Joey Chestnut net worth is often raised, given his dominance in competitive eating. Estimates place his net worth at approximately $4 million, derived from prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements, including his controversial deal with Impossible Foods. Chestnut’s legacy, however, transcends finances. His Joey Chestnut hot dog record of 76 hot dogs in 2021 and 83 in the 2024 Netflix event have cemented his status as the greatest competitive eater of all time.
The Cultural Impact of Nathan’s Hot Dogs
Nathan’s Hot Dogs are synonymous with the contest, with the company donating 100,000 hot dogs annually to the Food Bank for New York City before the event. The competition has elevated Nathan’s brand globally, with the Coney Island location serving as a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts. The event’s blend of patriotism, spectacle, and absurdity makes it a uniquely American tradition, akin to fireworks and barbecues on Independence Day.
Looking Ahead: Will Chestnut Break His Record?
As the hot dog eating contest 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Joey Chestnut. Can he surpass his Joey Chestnut record of 76 hot dogs? “If I can get close to 80, that’d be amazing,” Chestnut told USA TODAY Sports. With Bertoletti, Esper, and others pushing the pace, the men’s contest promises to be a thrilling battle. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo’s quest for an 11th title and potential new record adds to the excitement.
Conclusion
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of resilience, spectacle, and American tradition. With Joey Chestnut’s return, Miki Sudo’s dominance, and Patrick Bertoletti’s defense, the event is poised to captivate audiences on July 4. Whether you’re watching from Coney Island or tuning in on ESPN, the Coney Island hot dog contest promises unforgettable moments. As George Shea’s iconic introductions echo through Brooklyn, the stage is set for another chapter in this storied tradition.
Reference:
- ESPN: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025
- CBS News: How to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
- AP News: Joey Chestnut Returns to Nathan’s
- The New York Times: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Coverage
- Yahoo Sports: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 Preview
FAQs
Q: When is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025?
A: The contest is held on July 4, 2025, with the women’s event at 10:45 a.m. ET and the men’s at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Q: What time is the hot dog eating contest 2025?
A: The women’s contest starts at 10:45 a.m. ET, and the men’s contest begins at 12:00 p.m. ET, with competitions starting shortly after.
Q: What channel is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on?
A: The women’s contest airs on ESPN3, and the men’s contest airs on ESPN2, with streaming on ESPN.com and fuboTV.
Q: Where to watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025?
A: Watch in person at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island or on ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN.com, or fuboTV.
Q: Why was Joey Chestnut banned in 2024?
A: Chestnut was banned due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which conflicted with Nathan’s exclusivity rules. He was reinstated in 2025 after resolving the issue.
Q: What is the hot dog eating record?
A: Joey Chestnut holds the men’s record with 76 hot dogs (2021), and Miki Sudo holds the women’s record with 51 hot dogs (2024).
Q: Who won the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
A: Patrick Bertoletti won the men’s contest with 58 hot dogs, and Miki Sudo won the women’s contest with 51 hot dogs.
