Few things are inevitable in life: death, taxes, and Joey Chestnut winning the Nathan's Hot Dog Contest.
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For the 18th time in his career, the Kentucky native won the annual hot dog eating contest, adding to his legacy as one of America's heralded athletes.
During his record-breaking win, Chestnut consumed a whopping 66 hot dogs in ten minutes, totaling 18,000 calories.
The eye-popping performance at Coney Island cleared runner-up Patrick Bertoletti by 15 hot dogs.
Chestnut has won the Independence Day event in back-to-back years. He beat out 13 competitors who came from around the country and world.
"It's a dream, it's electric, there's no place better on Earth," Chestnut said after polishing off nearly 70 hot dogs.
Chestnut called competitive hot dog eating "the most patriotic sport we've got."
According to nutrition information listed by Nathan's Beef Franks and Wonder Bread Nathan's Style Buns, Chestnut digested about 17,820 calories during his 21st competition appearance.
He has won the so-called Mustard Belt in 86 percent of his appearances.
"I knew I was going to be able to get the win," Chestnut said, adding, "I've got so much room left."
Joey Chestnut Continues to Dominate Hot Dog Contest
Chestnut has won each of the last ten Nathan's Hot Dog Contests he's competed in.
The competitive eater was banned from the event in 2024 due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based rival to Nathan's.
"Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making,"
