Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest Return: 16-Time Champion Faces PETA Protest at Nathan’s Event

The Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest comeback at Coney Island on the Fourth of July is set to be anything but ordinary. After missing the 2024 edition due to a sponsorship conflict, Chestnut — the undisputed king of competitive eating — is back in action. But this year’s competition includes a twist: a strong presence from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest Return: A Long-Awaited Comeback

After being banned in 2024 for his partnership with plant-based brand Impossible Foods, Joey Chestnut is once again eligible to compete in the Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest. Thanks to a new agreement, the 16-time champion will take center stage at Nathan’s Famous annual showdown on Independence Day.

Chestnut’s return is especially significant for fans who have followed his journey since 2007. Apart from one loss in 2015 to Matt Stonie and his absence in 2024, Chestnut has dominated nearly every competition.

PETA Joins the Scene at the Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest

While Chestnut gears up for another record-breaking performance, PETA plans to make its presence felt at the Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest. According to a press release, PETA will be handing out free vegan hot dogs, aiming to promote an animal-friendly Fourth of July.

“Vegan hot dogs are delicious and kind,” said Tracy Reiman, a PETA executive. “PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond.”

This isn’t PETA’s first attempt to disrupt the event. In 2022, the contest saw on-stage protesters wearing masks and carrying signs. Despite the chaos, Chestnut subdued one protester mid-contest — all while nursing a leg injury — and still won by eating 63 hot dogs.

Joey Chestnut’s Legacy at the Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest legacy began on July 4, 2007, when Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to dethrone six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi. That victory marked the beginning of a historic streak of dominance. In total, Chestnut has won 16 titles and holds the world record of 76 hot dogs consumed in just 10 minutes, a feat he achieved in 2021.

Even during his 2024 absence, Chestnut didn’t slow down. He starred in Netflix’s “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” where he devoured 83 hot dogs, outperforming his legendary rival once again.

What Makes Joey Chestnut the GOAT of Competitive Eating?

Joey Chestnut is more than just the king of hot dogs. He currently holds over 50 world records in various food categories. Some of his jaw-dropping records include:

• 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes
• 141 hard-boiled eggs in 8 minutes
• 118 jalapeño poppers in 10 minutes
• 30 gyros in 10 minutes
• 25 ice cream sandwiches in 6 minutes
• 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes (the official Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest world record)

His versatility, endurance, and unmatched appetite have cemented his status as a global phenomenon in competitive eating.

The 2025 Nathan’s Contest: Timings and Broadcast Details

The Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest returns to national television this year:

• Women’s Competition: ESPN3 at 10:45 AM EST
• Men’s Competition: ESPN2 at 12:00 PM EST

As always, the contest will be held at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers from around the world.

Who Won the Women’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2024?

Miki Sudo, another legend in the competitive eating world, claimed her third consecutive title in 2024 by consuming 51 hot dogs and buns. Her performance set a new world record in the women’s division and raised the bar for female competitors.

The Rivalry That Defined an Era

The Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his legendary rivalry with Takeru Kobayashi. From 2005 to 2006, Kobayashi reigned supreme. However, Chestnut turned the tide in 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. Their ongoing feud even reached Netflix, where Chestnut recently outperformed Kobayashi in a no-holds-barred special event.

Why the Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest Still Matters

For many Americans, the Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest is as much a part of the Fourth of July as fireworks and parades. It’s not just a spectacle of consumption — it’s a celebration of endurance, tradition, and quirky Americana.

Chestnut’s unmatched dominance, along with ongoing drama from activists like PETA and rival competitors, makes the event a cultural phenomenon. His return in 2025 is not just about reclaiming a title — it’s about defending a legacy built over nearly two decades.

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Final Thoughts

The Joey Chestnut Hot Dog Eating Contest promises high-stakes excitement, heated rivalries, and spicy protest drama. Whether you’re tuning in for the competition, the world records, or the controversy, one thing is certain — this Independence Day, Joey Chestnut is back, and all eyes are on Coney Island.

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