At this point, no Fourth of July is complete without Joey Chestnut.Americans everywhere will run to their television sets at noon on America's 250th birthday as the world's greatest eater will aim to eat one hot dog for every year the U.S.has been in existence.OK, that might be a stretch, but it is already a foregone conclusion that Chestnut will earn his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt in 19 attempts on Saturday afternoon.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMJoey Chestnut wins the men's competition at Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City on July 4, 2025.
He returned to compete for a 17th win after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating.(Adam Gray/Getty Images)The greatness began in 2007, ending a run of six straight titles won by former GOAT Takeru Kobayashi, who actually injured his jaw ahead of that contest.
Chestnut's 66 hot dogs defeated Kobayashi's 63 in a preview of a legendary career to follow.A rivalry ensued between the two, with Chestnut narrowly beating Kobayashi the next two years, including via a tiebreaking eat-off in 2008.When Kobayashi was banned from the event in 2010, Chestnut took off.Chestnut had won each title from 2007 through 2014, but he was the victim of a massive upset in 2015 to Matt Stonie, losing 62-60.
But Stonie's glory was short-lived, and Chestnut went on to win each of the next eight events.There was a new champion in 2024, but not because Chestnut lost - he actually was barred from competing after signing a brand deal with a Nathan's rival.After much back and forth, Chestnut was allowed back in for the 2025 event with just weeks to spare, and he reclaimed the title with 70.5 dogs and buns.Joey Chestnut visits "The Claman Countdown" with host Liz Claman at Fox Business Network Studios on July 02, 2025 in New York City.
(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)JOEY CHESTNUT REFLECTS ON RETURN TO HOT DOG EATING CONTEST AFTER CONTRACT DISPUTE, TEMPORARY BAN"It was great.The audience...