Hot dog-eating machine Joey Chestnut will return to Fourth of July contest

Legendary competitive eater Joey Chestnut will return to this year’s Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog contest, officials said Monday, one year after a sponsorship squabble kept him off the Coney Island stage.

Chestnut had taken home the Mustard Belt eight straight times between 2016 and 2023 before he was forced out of last year’s competition for partnering with a plant-based company.

But event organizers and Chestnut have come to an agreement, he said, clearing the way for his return in just over two weeks.

“This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” Chestnut said in statement.

“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs.”

Even though he has partnered with Impossible Foods, Chestnut, 41,of San Jose, California, said his hot dog heart is with Nathan’s.

He also won the Nathan’s belt eight straight times from 2007 to 2014.

“To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with,” Chestnut said. “I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! ”

Chestnut has the record for most Nathan’s hot dogs downed in 10 minutes, putting away 76 dogs and buns on July 4, 2021.

But he also holds a host of other gluttonous marks, such as: 53 soft beef Taco Bell tacos in 10 minutes, 121 Twinkies in six minutes, 15 16-ounce bowls of gumbo in eight minutes and 28 pounds of poutine in 10 minutes.

“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” Major League Eating Chair George Shea said in a statement. “We look forward to watching the greatest eaters as they compete on a celebrated platform for international sports.”