Joey Chestnut is set to compete in the annual hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July, aiming for his 18th title in 19 attempts. Chestnut’s dominance in the contest began in 2007, when he defeated Takeru Kobayashi with 66 hot dogs.
Career Highlights
Chestnut’s career has been marked by numerous records and victories. He has won each title from 2007 through 2014, with the exception of 2015, when he was upset by Matt Stonie. However, Chestnut reclaimed the title in the following years, including in 2025, when he consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns.
Chestnut’s participation in the 2026 contest was initially in doubt due to a charge of battery, but he was granted permission to travel for the event. Despite the challenges, Chestnut remains focused on his goal, stating that the contest is ‘not even about the hot dogs’ but rather a celebration of the Fourth of July.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
