
Joey Chestnut returns to Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest: Is the record in danger?
Competitive eating icon Joey Chestnut is set to make his triumphant return to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest next month, after missing last year's event due to a sponsorship dispute.
Chestnut, a 16-time champion and holder of the world record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes (set in 2021), announced his comeback on social media this week.
'This event means the world to me,' Chestnut wrote on X.
'It's a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.'
Chestnut missed the 2024 competition following a disagreement with Major League Eating (MLE) over his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based company.
However, he emphasised that his involvement in the plant-based space never conflicted with his love for traditional hot dogs.
'I'm excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do… Stay hungry!' he added.
Major League Eating president Richard Shea confirmed the excitement, calling Joey Chestnut's return a moment that will make the 2025 contest 'the greatest Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest of all time.'
Last year's champions were: Patrick Bertoletti , who ate 58 hot dogs to win the men's title
, who ate 58 hot dogs to win the men's title Miki Sudo, who claimed her title with 51 hot dogs in the women's division
The 2025 contest will take place as usual on Friday, 4 July at Coney Island in New York.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
24 minutes ago
- The South African
Did Orlando Pirates find Saleng's replacement?
Orlando Pirates have reportedly signed AmAzulu winger Tshepang Moremi, who could potentially replace Monnapule Saleng. The 27-year-old speedy winger has not played for the Buccaneers since December of last year. Reports indicate that Saleng has been absent due to a salary dispute, as he has requested a review of his contract, which would require the club to increase his wages. Although Saleng hasn't appeared in a match for Orlando Pirates in six months, he is often seen training with the team. It remains uncertain whether he will play for the club again. This week, it was announced that AmaZulu player Moremi has joined the Buccaneers on a three-year deal, with an option to extend for an additional two years. Usuthu confirmed on Friday the departure of Tshepang Moremi, along with two loanees from Mamelodi Sundowns. 'We wish Tshepang all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his career,' said AmaZulu director of football, Pedro Dias. 'Additionally, the club would like to acknowledge the return of Etiosa Ighodaro and Sifiso Ngobeni to their parent club, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, following the conclusion of their loan spells,' a club statement read. Usuthu also announced that they parted ways with 16 other players but it seems unlikely that the Buccaneers will pounce on any of them, Besides Saleng, Orlando Pirates have a number of wingers in their squad such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota. Moremi should face stiff competition but given the number of competitions the Buccaneers are involved in, he should start enough matches next season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
39 minutes ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs close in on Sundowns forgotten man Etiosa Ighodaro
Kaizer Chiefs have reignited their pursuit of Etiosa Ighodaro and look set to secure the Mamelodi Sundowns striker ahead of their crucial pre-season preparations in the Netherlands. The Soweto giants previously tried to lure Ighodaro when he impressed during his loan spell at Chippa United. However, Mamelodi Sundowns blocked the deal and instead sent the Nigerian forward to SuperSport United. Now, Amakhosi are back in the race, and this time, they appear determined to get their man. Ighodaro has officially applied for a visa to travel to the Netherlands, fuelling speculation that a move to Kaizer Chiefs is imminent. The 2025/2026 season looms, and Amakhosi's intent to bolster their attacking line-up is clear. After scoring six goals on loan at AmaZulu FC last season, Ighodaro finds himself out of favour at Sundowns, potentially clearing the path for a permanent switch to Naturena. A trusted insider revealed that they have shifted towards Ighodaro because main target Fiston Mayele reportedly has no intention of moving to South Africa to ply his trade. 'Chiefs have made it clear that they need a striker before they start their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands and Ighodaro is that man, given the difficulties of getting Mayele.' The club's management continues to scout the market aggressively, but Ighodaro has emerged as the leading candidate to spearhead the attack under new leadership. With the Dutch tour fast approaching, Kaizer Chiefs look ready to strike, and this time, they won't let Ighodaro slip through their fingers. Will Ighodaro fit in at Kaizer Chiefs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Tributes pour in for sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi
The passing of football, boxing and horse racing pundit Phumlani Msibi was announced on Friday night Beloved sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi has passed away at the age of 57. Tributes poured in from across the sporting industry and beyond following the announcement of the sad news on Friday night. From sports personalities to politicians, the dedications to Msibi illustrated the man's special place in the hearts of South Africans. Tributes to Msibi Msibi began his career at the South African Broadcasting Corporation before moving over to Multichoice's Supersport. Supersport CEO Rendani Ramovha acknowledged Msibi's sterling reputation and professionalism in a tribute late on Friday night. 'Msibi's loss will be felt not just by the broadcaster and the football fraternity, but by the whole sporting community at large. We are gravely saddened by his passing,' stated Ramovha. A feature of local and continental football coverage, as well as one of the premier voices of South African boxing, Msibi was also an avid horse racing pundit. 'Thoughts please' Fellow broadcaster Thomas Kwenaite shared a touching message on social media for his departed colleague. 'This is farewell but a heartfelt goodbye to a wonderful soul and former colleague Phumlani Msibi who sadly left these shores on Friday evening following a short illness. Go prepare a studio for when we arrive, then ask us…'Your Thoughts please?' Hamba kahle Msibi, rest easy,' posted Kwenaite. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mackenzie added his voice to the social media tributes. 'My deepest and most sincerest condolences to the Msibi family. Mooi loop Grootman,' stated the minister. The EFF also shared a short message to acknowledge the broadcaster's lasting contribution. 'The EFF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of legendary sports anchor Phumulani Msibi following his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace,' the part stated. Professional footballer Michael Morton expressed the sentiments that all those who sat across from Msibi can attest to. 'Rest in peace Mr Msibi. Fortunate to have crossed your path and to have had the privilege of meeting you and being interviewed by you. Top top man…you will be sorely missed,' Morton posted on X. NOW READ: Gayton McKenzie says he's 'gonna fight very hard' for at least one Bok game to be broadcast to everyone