Kobayashi's absence from the competition left Chestnut free to scarf his way to victory. His 54 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes was short of his own record -- 68 -- set in 2009.

Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California (C) smiles while stuffing hot dogs into his mouth next to his opponent, Takeru Kobayashi of Nagano, Japan (R) during Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog ...

Kobayashi unsuccessfully tried to win his Mustard Belt back from Chestnut in 2008 and 2009, after which a contractual dispute meant that Kobayashi was no longer able to compete at Coney Island.

The "glizzy GOAT" is returning to his famous Coney Island stage. Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut will compete in the 2025 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The annual ...

Joey Chestnut climbed his way back to the top in his return performance after demolishing 70.5 hot dogs during Nathan’s Famous Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Friday, July 4.