Joey Chestnut Secures 17th Title at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest After Year-Long Hiatus
In a triumphant return to the competitive eating scene, Joey Chestnut reclaimed his status as America’s premier hot dog aficionado by clinching victory at the historic Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held in Brooklyn, New York. After a one-year break, he demonstrated his dominance by consuming an impressive 70½ hot dogs along with their buns within a mere 10 minutes, reaffirming his position at the top of the sport.
Resurgence and Rivalry: Chestnut’s Comeback
Expressing a light-hearted regret, Chestnut remarked, “I wish I could have eaten a few more,” as he celebrated his 17th championship. The 41-year-old athlete’s absence from the 2024 competition was due to a contractual disagreement involving a deal with a plant-based hot dog manufacturer. Following negotiations to resolve his differences with Major League Eating-the organization responsible for orchestrating the event-Chestnut made a victorious return, showcasing resilience and skill. Bookmakers, including DraftKings, had heavily favored him with odds of -1800, reflecting widespread confidence in his victory. The betting focus then shifted to who would secure second place, a position ultimately claimed by Patrick Bertoletti, who had previously won in Chestnut’s absence but finished this year with 46½ hot dogs.
Women’s Competition: Sudo Continues Her Reign
On the women’s side, reigning champion Miki Sudo continued her undefeated streak, claiming her 11th consecutive title by consuming 33 hot dogs. Although this total was below her personal best of 51, set last year, Sudo’s performance was unchallenged by her 13 competitors. Michelle Lesco, who previously won the crown in 2021 when Sudo was unable to participate due to pregnancy, finished second with 22¾ hot dogs. Meanwhile, rookie Danielle DiSapia secured third place with 21½ hot dogs, marking a promising debut.
Performance Highlights and Reflections
While Chestnut’s victory earned him a $10,000 prize, it fell short of his record-breaking 76 hot dogs and buns set in 2021. Analysts suggest that a slight rustiness may have impacted his performance this year. “I was a bit nervous at first, fumbling with the hot dogs, but I soon found a good rhythm,” Chestnut explained.
Sudo, also awarded $10,000 for her win, acknowledged that her total was lower than usual. “I think the buns were more filling than they’ve been in previous years,” she commented after her victory. “But a win’s a win, and I’m happy with that.”
Looking Ahead: Expectations and Future Contests
Despite her success, Sudo expressed a desire to perform better in future competitions. “I feel like I could have done more for the fans,” she admitted. “The hot dogs just weren’t cooperating today, and the buns felt larger than usual.” Her comments highlight the unpredictable nature of competitive eating, where even seasoned champions face challenges from year to year.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, with recent statistics indicating a steady increase in spectator engagement and betting activity-currently valued at over $1 billion annually-competitors like Chestnut and Sudo remain at the forefront, inspiring new generations of eaters and fans alike. The next Nathan’s contest promises to be an exciting event, with anticipation building around whether Chestnut can defend his title once more or if emerging talents will challenge his reign.