By JASON RONIMOUS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Through the curtain of the aurora, a comet blazes to herald his return.
As announcer George Shea once told a rabid crowd at Coney Island, Joey Chestnut, the sixteen-time champion of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Joey Chestnut is “America itself.”
America will celebrate Chestnut’s return to the contest this July the Fourth.
Westfield resident Chestnut announced on X that he would be returning to the contest after being banned in 2024 due to a squabble over sponsorships.
“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,” Chestnut said on X.
“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. I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. 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! Stay hungry!”
Chestnut will compete for his 17th title next month, and the victory surely will be transcribed into every language known to history, including Klingon.
This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/chestnut-nathans-eating-contest-return.