Who doesn't love the July 4th?
Fireworks, barbeques, going to the beach and...the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
In 2024, an event some Americans usually love was missing its usual main competitor.
Could Joey Chestnut return in 2025?
According to Yahoo Sports, Chestnut is "in talks to return to the iconic Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th next month."
Chestnut was banned last year after having a deal with a plant-based hot dog meat company, that didn't allow him to compete per Major League Eating's decision.
Chestnut is arguably one of the greatest and most dominant athletes we have seen recently, as he is a 16x Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion (2007-2014, 2016-2023).
He holds the record for most hot dogs and buns downed in 10 minutes at 76 in 2021.
On Labor Day in 2024, Chestnut ate 57 hot dogs and buns in just five minutes, potentially on his way to beat that world record.
I'm sure people across the country would be thrilled to see Chestnut and MLE come to an agreement, to see Chestnut have another shot at the world record.
Since I'm a darts guy, I have to compare Joey Chestnut's insane record total to the great Phil Taylor.
In terms of career titles that can only be won annually, Taylor is a 16x world champion in darts.
Chestnut could pass Taylor if he wins his 17th hot dog eating contest in a potential return this year.
Maybe then, Chestnut will get the respect he deserves as a premier athlete.
MORE: Darts GOAT Phil Taylor announces official retirement from the sport