Joey Chestnut returns to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for Fourth of July showdown

Reigning champ Patrick Berletti admits topping his own record won’t be easy. “It’s going to take a miracle from God for me to pull this out,” he said. “But I’m hungry, I’m ready.”

Mike Lamorte

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Jul 3, 2025, 9:34 PM

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Updated 5 days ago

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He’s back—and he’s hungry.

Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, made his grand return at Wednesday’s weigh-in in Coney Island.

The 238-pound competitive eating legend is looking to reclaim his mustard belt after missing last year’s competition due to a contract dispute.

“I don’t hold grudges—I hold hot dogs and eat them,” Chestnut joked.

With just hours to go before the annual Fourth of July food frenzy, his competitors aren’t backing down.

“It doesn’t matter if Joey is here or not,” said pro eater Nick Wehry. “You run your race. Usain Bolt can’t trip the person in front of him.”

Reigning champ Patrick Berletti admits topping his own record won’t be easy. “It’s going to take a miracle from God for me to pull this out,” he said. “But I’m hungry, I’m ready.”

On the women’s side, 10-time winner Miki Sudo says she’s hoping to beat her own record of 51 hot dogs.

“I have to trust that I have the ability,” she said. “I just need to make it happen on the stage.”

The 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest kicks off at 11 a.m. Thursday in Coney Island.

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