Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of competitive eating, is gearing up for his much-anticipated return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. Known for his remarkable ability to consume staggering quantities of food, Chestnut has revealed some of the unconventional methods he employs to prepare for the event, including “burping exercises” and a carefully monitored diet.
In a recent interview with The New York Post, Chestnut shared insights into his mental and physical preparation for the contest. “I convince myself that there’s only one outcome [of] this contest,” he stated. “Once I think [my opponents] can see that I’m convinced, and the audience is convinced, it’s really hard for them to overcome. If I convince myself, then everybody else falls in line.” This mental strategy has been a cornerstone of his success as he prepares to face off against the world’s best eaters.
Chestnut, who is 41 years old, is making his comeback to the Coney Island event after a hiatus due to a prior ban linked to an endorsement deal with a plant-based product. As he gears up for the contest, he emphasizes the importance of staying calm the night before the event. “I usually watch some old practices, almost kind of simulated contests just swallowing air, go through the motions,” he explained.
The day of the contest begins early for Chestnut. He typically wakes up around 5 a.m. to start his routine, which includes stretches, yoga, and, notably, his burping exercises to help loosen and stretch his stomach after a night of sleep. Additionally, he drinks aloe vera juice to keep his throat lubricated, while avoiding solid foods in the lead-up to the contest. “The day before I usually have to eat a hot dog at the weigh-in,” he noted. “Before that, I usually have some eggs for breakfast. Maybe a little bit of protein, like a protein shake that day. I go in really, really empty the day of the contest.”
After the contest, many fans are curious about how Chestnut recovers from such an intense eating experience. Unsurprisingly, he skips dinner that night. “Usually I’m in bed,” he admitted, adding that he might take a walk if he feels up to it. “If I can, maybe some yogurt, maybe a little salad. I don’t really have much until the next day. Even if I’m not hungry, I’m trying to eat salad, just trying to keep things moving.”
Earlier this month, Chestnut expressed his excitement about returning to the Nathan’s event, stating, “It means the world to me” to compete for the brand once again. He emphasized the cultural significance of the contest, describing it as a cherished tradition and a celebration of American culture. “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,” he clarified. “To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
Chestnut’s journey in competitive eating began in 2005, and since then, he has become a household name, known for his remarkable feats of consumption. As the Fourth of July approaches, fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his title and further cement his legacy in the world of competitive eating.
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will air on ESPN, and fans across the nation are gearing up to witness what has become an iconic event in American culture. With his unique preparation techniques and unwavering confidence, Joey Chestnut continues to be a formidable competitor in the hot dog eating arena, and many will be watching closely as he takes on this year’s challenge. Stay tuned for an exciting showdown that promises to be both entertaining and deliciously outrageous!