Joey Chestnut

Joey Chestnut is a renowned competitive eater, celebrated for his numerous world records and his consistent victories in major eating competitions, most notably the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. After achieving a significant turning point in 2007 by winning his first Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Joey Chestnut went on to consume a world record 66 hot dogs and buns (HDB), notably defeating six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi. Chestnut first entered the competitive eating circuit in 2005, rapidly gaining prominence by winning the Deep-Fried Asparagus Eating Championship where he consumed 6.3 pounds in 11.5 minutes, defeating Rich LeFevre. In the same year, he secured third place in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest with 32 HDB.

His early career also included setting a record of 32.5 grilled cheese sandwiches in 10 minutes at the Arizona State Fair and securing victories such as the Waffle House World Waffle Eating Championship. This monumental 2007 victory initiated an impressive winning streak for Chestnut, leading to eight consecutive Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest titles from 2007 to 2014, including a personal best of 69 HDB in 2013. Following a loss in 2015, Chestnut powerfully reclaimed the championship belt in 2016 and continued his dominance through 2023, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the sport. During this period, he set a new record of 76 HDB in 2021, marking a career high.

Demonstrating his enduring competitive spirit and demand, he returned to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025 to clinch his 17th career title, further cementing his unparalleled legacy in competitive eating.