Joey Chestnut is More Than the King of Hot Dogs
On July 4, Joey Chestnut will return to Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, an event that he himself has become famous for.
A contract dispute kept Chestnut out of the 2024 event. But Chestnut is back, hoping to win his 17th Mustard Belt, according to USA Today. He ate 62 hot dogs in 2023, the last time he appeared in the Nathan's event, USA Today reported.
Chestnut, 41, has inhaled more than 1,000 hot dogs during his career and appeared in the Nathan's contest 19 times.
But the prolific eater doesn't stop at hot dogs.
Chestnut holds more than 50 world records, ranging from cheesesteak egg rolls, according to ESPN.
So what exactly is Chestnut eating? Here's a sample of his records via ESPN and Major League Eating.
- Asparagus, 12 lbs. 8.75 oz., 10 minutes
- Bologna, slices, 15.75 lbs., 8 minutes
- Burritos, long form, 14.5 lbs., 10 minutes
- Cheesesteak egg rolls, 46, 8 minutes
- Chicken wings, long form, 182, 30 minutes
- Eggs, 141 hard boiled, 8 minutes
- Jalapeno poppers, 118, 10 minutes
- Philly cheesesteaks, 23, 10 minutes
- Pork, pulled sandwiches, 45, 10 minutes
- Shrimp wontons, 390, 8 minutes
- Tacos, 126 traditional tortilla tacos, 8 minutes
- Waffles, Eggo-style, 81, 8 minutes
Chestnut's hot dog-eating record was set in 2021, when he ate 76 dogs.
"Chestnut holds 55 World Records across 55 disciplines. That is a World Record of World Records," Major League eating reports, calling Chestnut "the greatest eater in history. That is not empty editorializing or bloviating. That is empirical fact.
He has eaten at least 60 hot dogs at each contest dating back to 2011."
When Chestnut had to miss last year's contest, Patrick Bertoletti won the competition. But ESPN's Bet Odds have Chestnut winning this year.
On the women's side, Miki Sudo, is an even larger favorite to win her 11th pink belt, according to ESPN's Bet Odds.
Related: Joey Chestnut Details Just How Extreme His Training Methods Can Get