Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds – Joey Chestnut odds-on to regain Nathan's crown

An American tradition, the annual eating contest is taking place outside the original Nathan’s Famous on Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, New York this week.

Contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as they can, with $10,000 going to the winner, and one of those contestants is the GOAT of competitive eating.

Chestnut has won a record-setting 16 Nathan’s titles, but sat out last year’s contest due to a contract dispute with organisers, instead taking part in a Netflix special alongside long-time rivals Takeru Kobayashi.

The 41-year-old stunned the world during ‘Chestnut vs Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef’, consuming 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes to set a new world record, but he had not given up on his quest for a 17th Nathan’s title.

He will get that chance in 2025, having announced on social media that he will be returning to reclaim his throne on Friday.

“This event means the world to me,” he said. “It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.

“I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”

Unsurprisingly, the bookmakers are backing Chestnut to become a 17-time champion on Friday, with bet365 installing him as an overwhelming 1/14 favourite.

2025 champion Patrick Bertolleti is considered his main rival at 16/1, with long-time competitors Geoffrey Esper and James Webb next up at 20/1.

The return of Chestnut poses a major challenge to defending champion Bertolleti, but he has welcomed the challenge.

“Last year didn’t feel right without Joey,” he told the New York Post. “If I’m going to win, I want to beat the best.”