JOEY Chestnut made a triumphant return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
But he issued an apology to fans despite a dominant win.
Joey Chestnut issued an apology after the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest[/caption]
He cruised to victory by eating 70.5 hot dogs[/caption]
Chestnut, 41, missed last year’s competition after a dispute with organizers.
But he was back on Coney Island in New York on Friday and to his dominant best.
Chestnut ate 70.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win his 17th Mustard Belt.
His closest challenger was Patrick Bertoletti, who ate 46.5 hot dogs.
Chestnut won by a huge margin but fell shy of his world record 76, set in 2021.
The 41-year-old was disappointed he didn’t get closer to that mark.
But he confirmed he’ll be back in the contest in 2026.
“I was excited, I love being here,” he told ESPN.
“I wish I ate a couple more, sorry guys. But I’ll be back next year.”
Chestnut added, “First couple of hot dogs I was fumbling a little bit.
“Found a good rhythm, my goal was 70 to 77. I wanted a couple more.
“But I’m just happy to be here. Happy Fourth of July.
“As soon as I knew I was coming, my body was easy to train. I loved it.”
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Joey Chestnut won his 17th Mustard Belt and confirmed he’ll be back next year[/caption]
