BROOKLYN, NY. – After serving a one-year ban from one of the most iconic eating competitions of the summer, 16-time champion Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island on July 4th to compete in the 2025 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, in hopes of winning back his crown. 

According to reports, Chestnut’s ban from the event in 2024 resulted from an endorsement deal he made with plant-based food company Impossible Foods, which Nathan’s viewed as a conflict of interest. In his absence, Patrick Bertoletti pounced on the opportunity and won the coveted Mustard Belt by eating 58 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes. 

Since then, Chestnut and Nathan’s officials made amends and he will make his return to the famous corner of Surf and Stillwell in hopes of exceeding his record-breaking mark of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021. 

For the 22nd year, ESPN will provide bun-to-bun coverage of the event. The festivities kick off with the women’s contest coverage starting at 10:45 a.m. EST (on ESPN3) and the men’s competition at noon EST. 

“We are thrilled to have Joey Chestnut back for this year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest, an event that stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” said George Shea, Major League Eating chair. “We look forward to watching the world’s greatest eaters as they compete on this celebrated platform for international sports.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap of E60 and The Sports Reporters, along with Major League Eating President Rich Shea will serve as on-air hosts accompanied by Tiffany Green, college sports play-by-play commentator.

Chestnut is the clear favorite to win, with Bertoletti ranked No. 2. Among the women, reigning champion Miki Sudo is the odds-on favorite to win this year’s belt, which would be her fourth in a row. She hopes to exceed her record-high 51 hot dogs and buns feat of 2024.

As part of its sponsorship of the event each year, Nathan’s will donate 100,000 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City.