Joey Chestnut Wins 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest for 18th Time

Legendary competitive eater Joey Chestnut once again proved his dominance by winning the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 18th time. This year's event took place on Coney Island on Independence Day, where Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs in just 10 minutes, leaving his competitors far behind.

The contest drew an estimated crowd of 25,000 spectators on site, with millions more watching on ESPN 2. After the buzzer, Chestnut looked exhausted but triumphant, raising his arms with an American flag draped over his shoulder. He held the championship belt high, celebrating another milestone in his career.

Finishing in second place was Pat Bertoletti, the 2024 winner, who managed only 51 hot dogs this time. Notably, Chestnut missed the 2024 event due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating, allowing Bertoletti to take the title. This year, Chestnut returned and reclaimed his crown.

In the women's division, Miki Sudo won her 12th title by eating nearly 39 hot dogs. She remains the dominant force in female competitive eating, consistently outperforming her rivals. Sudo has been a regular participant and holds multiple records in the category.

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is a beloved Fourth of July tradition in the United States. For many, it symbolizes the spirit of competition and celebration. Chestnut's 18th victory cements his legacy as the greatest hot dog eater of all time, and fans are already looking forward to next year's event.