Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 results: Winners and more explored

The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for 2025 happened on July 4 at Coney Island, New York. People gathered to watch one of America's best-known competitive eating events. Joey Chestnut, a familiar face, won back his title in the men's division. Miki Sudo kept her winning streak in the women's category.

Chestnut, 41, from Westfield, Indiana, got his 17th career win. He ate 70.5 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute contest. This marked his comeback after missing the 2024 event. A sponsorship clash with a plant-based food company had led to his ban. He finished way ahead of Patrick Bertoletti, the defending champion, who ate 46.5 hot dogs.

James Webb came in third, eating 45.5 hot dogs. Even though he didn't beat his 2021 world record of 76, Chestnut took the lead from the beginning and got a friendly welcome from the audience. His comeback added extra excitement to the event, with people in the venue shouting his name. In the women's contest, Miki Sudo, 39, from Tampa, Florida, grabbed her 11th win by eating 33 hot dogs and buns.

Despite not reaching her 2024 high of 51, Sudo kept up a quick pace and took the lead as the contest neared its end. Lesco came in second with 22.75, while Dee secured third place with 21.5. Sudo gave credit to the audience and the weather for lifting her spirits, but mentioned that the buns might have been thicker than normal.

Rules, prizes, and legacy of the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest

This year's event had 28 participants - 15 men and 13 women. The rules gave each person 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as they could. The contest banned condiments and utensils but allowed water and other non-alcoholic drinks. Competitors could soak buns in liquid for up to five seconds to make swallowing easier. Anyone who threw up at any time was disqualified. The competition gave away a $10,000 cash prize and the Mustard

Yellow Belt to the champs. Nathan's main spot on Surf and Stillwell avenues has hosted this event every year since 1916, and it's now a key part of Fourth of July festivities in the US. Chestnut's comeback was a big deal, but the contest also showed fierce rivalries and top-notch efforts from experienced competitors.

Both divisions reflected high levels of competition and preparation, maintaining the prestige and excitement associated with the historic event.