CONEY ISLAND (WABC) — The 4th of July means that it’s time for New York City’s time-honored tradition, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The official weigh-in ceremony will take place at Hudson Yards at noon on Thursday.
World Champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is making his big return.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut tweeted. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”
He calls this competition his Indy 500.
The 16-time winner didn’t participate last year following a dispute with Major League Eating over his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company that makes plant-based hot dogs.
The competition will certainly be fierce this year. To earn this year’s Mustard Belt, Chestnut will have to out-eat current reigning champ Patrick Bertoletti, who put away 58 hot dogs and buns last year.
Chestnut chowed down on 62 hot dogs and buns in 2023, winning his 16th title.
In 2021, he set the world record, downing a whopping 76 hot dogs and buns at the event.
Miki Sudo will also be there representing the women.
The competition kicks off in Coney Island on Friday at 11 a.m.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
———-
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
