Joey Chestnut has become a Fourth of July tradition in the United States. On America’s 250th birthday, millions will watch as Chestnut aims to consume a hot dog for each year the country has existed. Though achieving such a feat seems unlikely, Chestnut is expected to win his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt in 19 attempts.

Chestnut returned to Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City on July 4, 2025, after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating. His comeback resulted in 70.5 hot dogs devoured.

“It was great. The audience is awesome, it’s electric. It’s good to be back after mending some fences,” Chestnut shared with Fox News Digital.

Chestnut’s dominance began in 2007 when he defeated Takeru Kobayashi, the former champion, with 66 hot dogs. This victory initiated a rivalry, and Chestnut narrowly triumphed over Kobayashi the following years, including a dramatic eat-off in 2008. Kobayashi’s ban in 2010 allowed Chestnut to secure titles consistently until his 2015 defeat by Matt Stonie, who won by a narrow margin.

Chestnut was dethroned once in 2015 when Stonie won with a score of 62 to Chestnut’s 60. However, Chestnut reclaimed his title the following year and held it for eight consecutive events.

Despite challenges such as a protester interrupting his eating in 2022, Chestnut continues to excel, displaying remarkable resilience. Even after a battery charge incident in Indiana ahead of the 2026 contest, Chestnut still secured permission to participate this year.

Chestnut’s record of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021, remains unmatched, beating his previous records from 2020 and 2018.

While most tune in for Chestnut, he insists that the event transcends individual performances. “It’s never about me,” Chestnut said. “It’s a Fourth of July celebration, and I’m happy to be part of it.”