Joey Chestnut
Joey Chestnut is an American competitive eater best known for his dominance at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Joey Chestnut is an American competitive eater best known for his dominance at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. He holds the men’s hot dog eating record and has won the Nathan’s contest 18 times as of 2026, including a victory in 2026 after returning from a 2024 absence.
Career
Chestnut became the leading figure in competitive eating through repeated victories at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and success in other eating disciplines. Major League Eating describes him as holding 55 world records across 55 disciplines.
Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Chestnut has been the dominant men's competitor at the annual Coney Island event, winning 18 titles by 2026. He set the men’s contest record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021, then won again in 2025 and 2026.
2024 exclusion and return
Chestnut did not compete in the 2024 Nathan's contest because of a contractual dispute tied to his endorsement of Impossible Foods, which conflicted with Major League Eating's sponsorship rules. He returned in 2025 and regained the title.
Public profile
Chestnut regularly appears in sports coverage because of his record-setting performances and the popularity of Nathan's July 4 contest. News coverage often centers on his titles, records, and eligibility disputes.
Key facts
- Chestnut won the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest by eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
- His official men’s hot dog eating record is 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, set in 2021.
- He was barred from the 2024 Nathan's contest after a sponsorship dispute involving Impossible Foods and Major League Eating's endorsement rules.
- He has won Nathan's 18 times and is widely regarded as the sport's most successful competitive eater.
- Major League Eating says Chestnut holds 55 world records across multiple disciplines.
Chestnut is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as an internationally known sports figure in competitive eating, especially through coverage of Nathan's July 4 contest and broader North American sports media.
Frequently asked questions
How many hot dogs did Joey Chestnut eat?
Did Joey Chestnut win Nathan's contest?
What is Joey Chestnut's record?
Why was Joey Chestnut banned from the contest?
Why is Joey Chestnut in the news?
What is Joey Chestnut's net worth?
References
- Major League Eating — https://majorleagueeating.com/eaters/106/Supports: Chestnut's titles, world records, and competitive eating profile.
- USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2026/07/04/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-2026-results/90786486007/Supports: 2026 Nathan's result, 66 hot dogs, 18th title, 2024 ban context, and 2021 record.
- Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/article/many-hot-dogs-did-joey-152409438.htmlSupports: 2025 return, 70.5 hot dogs, sponsorship dispute, and aggregate contest totals.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/37940564/joey-chestnut-nathan-hot-dog-dominanceSupports: Chestnut's Nathan's dominance, record total, and 2024 absence context.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/45631936/joey-chestnut-eating-recordsSupports: Chestnut's eating records and broad world-record count.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49269981/joey-chestnut-miki-sudo-devour-field-defend-hot-dog-titlesSupports: 2026 Nathan's win and title count.
- ABC News — https://abcnews.com/US/joey-chestnut-feeling-good-ahead-hot-dog-eating/story?id=134472186Supports: 2026 Nathan's win, 66 hot dogs, and 2021 men's world record.