He’s top dog again.
Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut was once again crowned champion of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in his triumphant return to the Fourth of July competition after skipping last year due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.
Chestnut, 41, scarfed down an incredulous 71 hot dogs in front of a raucous crowd in Coney Island on Friday and reclaimed the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time.
Chestnut made his eagerly-awaited return after he was bounced from the contest in 2024 over his deal with Impossible Foods, which had recently launched a plant-based hot dog.
At his weigh-in Thursday, the top dog said last year’s beef wouldn’t hold him back.
“We didn’t burn any bridges. I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I’m happy we figured it out,” he said of the dust-up with Major League Eating.
Chestnut dethroned reigning champ Patrick Bertoletti, who scarfed down 58 dogs and buns and became the first person since 2015 not named Chestnut to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.
Chestnut’s personal record is gulping down 76 dogs in 10 minutes.
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