There is no doubt that the 2024 Fourth of July was not the same. While fireworks happenes, barbeques went down, and crowds waved the flag, something was missing from the big day. That something was Joey "Jaws" Chestnut.
But, have no fear, the king is back!
After missing last season due to a sponsorship disagreement, Chestnut is back for the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest. The event takes place at Coney Island on Friday. Chestnut is ready to take back his championship in front of fans that have grown to love this great American tradition.
For nearly 20 years, Chestnut has been the face of the event every July 4th. He has dominated the sport like no one else has in competition. During a run from 2007-23, Chestnut has won the event 16 times. His record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes back in 2021 still stands to this day.
In an exhibition showdown last year, he took down 83 with rival Takeru Kobyashi also participating.
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But none of that mattered last summer when he was not part of the event. A promotional deal with a plant-based food company meant he could not compete due to conflict with Nathan’s all-beef branding. The event went on, but without Chestnut, it felt off.
Patrick Bertoletti won last year with 58 hot dogs, a solid performance, but the energy just wasn’t the same. Now, with Chestnut back in the fold, all eyes are on the Mustard Belt once again.
At 41, Chestnut remains a massive favorite at sportsbooks. DraftKings lists him at -2000 to win, with Bertoletti a distant second at +1200.
ESPN is mixing it up a little bit this year. Chestnut and Sudo will have their own dedicated camera angles, offering a closer look at the chaos and strategy involved. The women’s contest starts at 11 a.m. Eastern, with the men’s set to begin around 12:30 p.m.
The Fourth of July has a lot going for it, but the hot dog contest is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s equal parts bizarre and captivating, and Chestnut’s return makes this year’s edition feel special again. There’s just something about watching the GOAT of competitive eating do what he does best, backed by a screaming crowd, under the summer sun.
Without him last year, the contest felt flat. This year, it’s back and better than ever!
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