In 2024, reigning hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut was unable to compete in Nathan’s annual July 4th contest due to a sponsor conflict. Chestnut signed an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs, which was enough for Nathan’s to pull the plug on his eligibility for the contest.
It seems like during the nearly twelve months that have passed, Nathan’s, Major League Eating, and Impossible Foods have come to an agreement that will allow Chetnut to participate in the eating contest once again.
I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life. (1/3)
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 16, 2025
It seems that the conflict was largely semantic in nature, as there have been no changes to Impossible Foods’ roster of products.
While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with. (2/3)
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 16, 2025
Now that Chestnut is once again a part of the eating field, he has regained his position at the top of the odds at online entertainment sportsbooks.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 – Men’s Winner
- Joey Chestnut -2500
- Patrick Bertoletti +950
- Geoffrey Esper +1200
- Nick Wehry +2000
- James Webb +2500
- Derek Hendrickson +5000
Joey may not have competed for MLE last July 4th, but he should be in prime eating shape following his record-breaking performance during the Unfinished Beef special that aired on Netflix last September.
The broadcast placed Chestnut against his old rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a hot dog-eating contest. Chestnut set a new world record with 83 hot dogs eaten, but it is not official because it did not occur during an official Major League Eating-sanctioned contest.
Second in the odds for betting on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is Patrick Bertoletti, who is rated with a +950 moneyline. Bertoletti won the contest in 2024 with 58 dogs eaten.
There are no betting odds available for the women’s side of the contest just yet, but you can be certain that reigning champion Miki Sudo will be ranked at the top when they do.
Sudo woofed down an impressive 51 hot dogs last year, which was just seven dogs shy of the men’s winning total.
Sources:
- Bovada Sportsbook (Review)
