Nathans hotdogs contest 2025 was packed with action, surprises, and one huge controversy. Every year on July 4th, fans gather at Coney Island to watch people eat hot dogs like machines. But this year was different.
The top champion Joey Chestnut was missing, and a new winner took his place. Let’s break down everything that happened in nathans hotdogs contest 2025.
What is Nathans Hotdogs Contest?
Nathans hotdogs contest is held every year on July 4th in Brooklyn, New York. The contest happens at the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant on Coney Island. This event has been going on since 1916. It started as a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, but now it’s a serious competition.
Major League Eating (MLE) runs the contest. The rules are simple. Contestants get 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as they can. Each hot dog must include the bun. Water is allowed. Whoever eats the most wins.
The event is aired live on ESPN. Crowds gather early to cheer and hold funny signs. Some wear costumes. Others chant for their favorite eaters. It’s loud, messy, and full of energy.
What Happened in Nathans Hotdogs Contest 2025?
Nathans hotdogs contest 2025 was full of changes. For the first time in years, Joey Chestnut didn’t show up. He was banned due to a contract issue with Nathan’s. That left the door open for a new winner. And someone stepped up.
On the men’s side, Patrick Bertoletti won. He ate 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes. This was his first win since coming out of retirement. Bertoletti had competed in past contests but never beat Chestnut. With Joey gone, he finally took the crown.
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo won again. She ate 51 hot dogs. That’s one of the highest totals in contest history. Sudo now has 10 wins. She’s the top female eater in the sport.
Both winners looked focused and strong. They kept a steady pace and didn’t slow down. Bertoletti raised his arms in victory. Sudo smiled and hugged her coach. The crowd cheered loudly.
Why Joey Chestnut Missed Nathans Hotdogs Contest 2025
Joey Chestnut is the most famous competitive eater in the world. He won the Nathan’s contest 16 times. His record is 76 hot dogs, set in 2021. Fans expected him to show up again in 2025. But that didn’t happen.
Chestnut signed a deal with a plant-based hot dog company. Nathan’s didn’t like that. Their contract didn’t allow competitors to promote rival brands. So they told Chestnut he couldn’t compete.
Fans were shocked. Many called it unfair. Social media exploded with posts. Hashtags like #FreeJoey and #LetJoeyEat trended all week. Some fans even booed during the contest. Others held signs that said, “Bring Back Joey.”
Chestnut responded on Instagram. He said he wanted to compete but couldn’t agree to the terms. He thanked his fans and promised to return next year. His absence was the biggest story of nathans hotdogs contest 2025.
The Eating Style and Contest Rules
The contest follows strict rules. Each hot dog must be fully eaten. That means bun and sausage. Contestants are judged on clean plates and leftover bits. If any food is not fully swallowed, it doesn’t count.
The time limit is 10 minutes. Most eaters dunk the buns in water to make them easier to swallow. They often bounce while eating to help the food go down. Some use two hands. Others eat one dog at a time. Everyone has a personal style.
Water is the only drink allowed. Some eaters sip it. Others gulp it down fast. Judges stand nearby and count every hot dog eaten. They use clickers and keep track on big boards. It’s loud and chaotic.
Anyone who vomits is disqualified. That rule is known as a “reversal of fortune.” It doesn’t happen often, but it has before. That’s part of what makes the event so wild.
Miki Sudo’s Dominance Continues
Miki Sudo is a champion. She first won the women’s title in 2014. She has held it almost every year since. She missed one year due to pregnancy but came back stronger.
In nathans hotdogs contest 2025, she ate 51 hot dogs. That’s just below her personal best of 48.5, set in 2020. She paced herself well and didn’t show signs of slowing.
Sudo has changed the way people view female competitive eaters. She trains hard and treats it like a sport. She’s a role model for other women in the field.
After her win, she said, “I’m proud to do this year after year. I love the fans and the food.” She plans to return in 2026 and defend her title again.
Patrick Bertoletti’s Big Win
Patrick Bertoletti wasn’t the favorite going into 2025. Most people expected someone else to step up in Chestnut’s absence. But Bertoletti came in strong.
He used a fast start and didn’t let up. He ate 58 hot dogs, beating everyone else by a wide margin. This was his first Nathan’s win, but he’s not new to the scene.
Bertoletti has competed for over a decade. He held records in other food contests like cupcakes, pizza, and ice cream. But hot dogs are the top prize.
His win made headlines. Fans loved the underdog story. Bertoletti said, “This means everything. I’ve trained for this for years. I finally did it.”
He hopes to come back next year and win again—even if Chestnut returns.
Prize Money and Fame
Winners of nathans hotdogs contest 2025 took home cash prizes. First place earned around $10,000. Second and third place also received money.
But the real value comes from fame. Winners often get TV spots, interviews, and sponsors. They build personal brands and fan bases. Joey Chestnut earned six figures a year from his eating career. Miki Sudo has done the same.
Some even start YouTube channels or go on food tours. The contest opens doors for those who do well.
The Crowd and Fan Experience
Coney Island was packed. Thousands of fans stood outside the Nathan’s store. Many arrived early in the morning. Some wore hot dog hats. Others dressed like ketchup bottles.
The announcers hyped the crowd with fun facts and chants. Music played in the background. Big screens showed the action live. The whole event felt like a party.
Vendors sold food and drinks nearby. Some people didn’t even watch the contest. They just came for the fun. Fireworks followed in the evening.
For many New Yorkers and tourists, it’s the best way to spend the Fourth of July.
How to Watch and Follow the Contest
Nathans hotdogs contest 2025 aired live on ESPN. The coverage started at noon Eastern Time. Replays were available on ESPN’s website and app.
Clips were also shared on YouTube and social media.
Fans posted reactions, memes, and hot dog jokes online. The contest was trending on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
If you missed the live show, you could still catch the highlights. It was one of the top-watched events of the day.
Records Still Standing
Joey Chestnut’s record of 76 hot dogs from 2021 still stands. No one came close in 2025. Bertoletti’s 58 was far behind.
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo’s 48.5 from 2020 remains the top score. Her 51 in 2025 came close but didn’t break the mark.
Breaking records takes speed, focus, and stomach strength. Maybe next year, someone will raise the bar again.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Fans are already talking about nathans hotdogs contest 2026. Will Joey Chestnut return? Will Patrick Bertoletti defend his title? Can Miki Sudo be beaten?
The answers are unknown. But one thing is clear. This contest is here to stay. People love the drama, the food, and the fun.
Nathans hotdogs contest 2025 proved that even without the biggest name, the show can go on. And sometimes, new stars are born when others step aside.
Final Thoughts
Nathans hotdogs contest 2025 gave us new champions, wild moments, and one big shock. Joey Chestnut’s absence changed everything. Patrick Bertoletti took his shot and won. Miki Sudo showed once again why she’s the best.
Fans laughed, cheered, and counted every bite. The tradition stayed strong. And next year, it could get even bigger.
If you love food, sports, and loud fun, this contest has it all. Mark your calendar for 2026.
