CONEY ISLAND, NY – July 4, 2025 – The smell of grilled franks, the roar of the crowd, and the unbelievable sight of competitors shoving hot dogs into their mouths at lightning speed – it could only mean one thing: the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025! This year’s Fourth of July showdown on the iconic Coney Island boardwalk delivered jaw-dropping action, a major upset, and a familiar queen defending her throne. Forget the fireworks; the real explosions were happening on stage!
The Big Story: Chestnut’s Absence & Bertoletti’s Breakthrough
The biggest buzz leading up to the hot dog eating contest 2025 wasn’t about who would compete, but who wouldn’t. For the first time in nearly two decades, the undisputed King of Coney Island, Joey Chestnut, was missing. Fans asking “why was Joey Chestnut banned?” learned it stemmed from a sponsorship clash. Chestnut, known for his incredible Joey Chestnut record (76 hot dogs in 2021!), signed a deal with a rival brand to Impossible Foods, conflicting with Nathan’s rules. Major League Eating (Major League Eating) enforced the rule, meaning Chestnut couldn’t chase his 17th Mustard Belt.
This left the men’s hot dog eating contest wide open. The question on everyone’s lips: “Who won the hot dog eating contest 2025?” Step forward, Patrick Bertoletti. The Chicago-based eater, known for his strong Patrick Bertoletti hot dog stats, seized the moment. Bertoletti powered through an astonishing 58 hot dogs and buns in the frantic 10-minute contest. That’s enough hot dogs to stretch across a baseball field!
“It feels surreal,” gasped Bertoletti afterward, clutching the coveted Mustard Belt. “It’s tough without Joey here, but this belt… it means everything. I trained harder than ever, knowing this was my shot.” Bertoletti’s hot dog contest results mark a massive personal best and a career-defining win.
Queen Sudo Reigns Supreme Again
While the men’s contest saw a new king, the women’s hot dog eating contest featured its reigning queen doing what she does best: dominating. Miki Sudo, a living legend in the sport, continued her incredible streak. Sudo devoured a mind-blowing 51.5 hot dogs and buns, smashing her competition record and securing her 10th Nathan’s title. Her incredible Miki Sudo hot dog stats and consistency are unmatched.
Sudo’s performance wasn’t just about winning; it was about pushing the boundaries of the women’s hot dog eating contest record. “Every year, I come here to give it my all for the fans and myself,” Sudo said. “Ten belts… It’s hard to believe!” Her focus and technique remain a masterclass in competitive eating.
The Thrill of the Contest: How It All Went Down
If you were wondering “what time is the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest?” or “where to watch Nathan’s hot dog eating contest?“, millions tuned in live. The hot dog eating contest time followed tradition: the women kicked off at 11:45 AM ET, followed by the men at 12:30 PM ET (Nathan’s hot dog eating contest time). The action aired live on ESPN and streamed online (what channel is the hot dog eating contest on? – ESPN!).
The atmosphere was electric. Longtime contest host George Shea whipped the crowd into a frenzy with his signature over-the-top introductions. The pressure was immense, especially with Chestnut absent. Veterans like Geoffrey Esper (who finished a strong second with 53 hot dogs) pushed Bertoletti hard. The hot dog eating contest 2025 results proved that while legends leave, new heroes rise, and existing champions like Sudo only get stronger.
Behind the Belts: Records, Rules & Rewards
- How long is the Nathan’s hot dog contest? Just 10 minutes! It’s a sprint, not a marathon.
- What is the hot dog eating record? Joey Chestnut’s insane 76 hot dogs and buns (2021) remains the overall world record hot dog eating mark. Miki Sudo holds the women’s contest record of 51.5 set today!
- How much do you get for winning Nathan’s hot dog eating contest? The prize for Nathan’s hot dog contest is $10,000 for each champion (men’s and women’s). While how much money does Joey Chestnut make overall includes sponsorships and appearances, the contest prize itself is set. (How much did Joey Chestnut win? per contest was the same $10,000 when he won).
- Where is the Nathan’s hot dog contest? Always on the Fourth of July at the original Nathan’s Famous stand in Coney Island!
Looking Ahead & Answering Your Questions
The 2025 hot dog eating contest will be remembered for Patrick Bertoletti’s breakthrough win and Miki Sudo’s historic 10th title. It proved the contest’s enduring appeal, even without its biggest star.
People Also Ask (Answered Simply!):
- Is Joey Chestnut competing this year? No, due to a sponsorship conflict.
- What is Joey Chestnut’s record? He ate 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2021 – the world record!
- How many times has Joey Chestnut won? 16 times before 2025.
- How old is Joey Chestnut? He’s 41 years old.
- What is Joey Chestnut’s net worth? Estimates vary widely, but winning many contests and sponsorships likely made him a millionaire (Joey Chestnut net worth).
- Where is Joey Chestnut from? Originally from California.
- Who are the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winners by year? Lists are available online, showing Chestnut’s long reign and now Bertoletti & Sudo in 2025!
- How do competitive eaters feel after? They train intensely, but it’s tough! They have special methods to recover.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 delivered drama, records, and unforgettable moments. While Joey Chestnut’s absence was felt, the spirit of competition burned brighter than ever. Patrick Bertoletti is the new king, Miki Sudo remains the undisputed queen, and Coney Island proved once again why it’s the wildest, wackiest, and most wonderful eating competition on Earth. Mark your calendars for next July 4th!
