Joey Chestnut returns to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this Saturday, chasing his 18th title. Despite competing under probation following a misdemeanor battery charge, the 17-time champion remains the heavy favorite. He has won every single edition of the competition since 2015, cementing his status as the greatest eater in history.

Chestnut's statistics are staggering, including a world record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021. He has consumed over 1,284 hot dogs since 2005, totaling more than 158 pounds of meat. This volume exceeds the weight of a UFC lightweight fighter and represents over 345,000 calories consumed during July Fourth performances alone.

Opponents like Patrick Bertoletti, the 2024 winner, and Geoffrey Esper aim to stop his run. Bertoletti holds several records, including a mark for doughnut holes, but few match Chestnut's versatility. He holds Major League Eating records in over 50 categories, ranging from chicken wings to Padrino tamales, proving his dominance across multiple disciplines.

On the women's side, Miki Sudo looks to defend her crown. Sudo has won 11 of the 15 women's competitions held since 2011, including a 51 hot dog record set in 2024. She has won 11 consecutive times whenever she was part of the field, including a brief absence in 2021.