Joey Chestnut Eats 66 Hot Dogs for 18th Title at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026

The Fourth of July remains Joey Chestnut's day after earning his 18th career victory at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Chestnut devoured 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes, 15 more than runner-up Patrick Bertoletti, to win for the second consecutive year and 18th time in the last 20 years.

The 42-year-old has won this contest each of the last 10 times he has participated. His streak was interrupted in 2024 when he was barred from the event due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods.

Chestnut's ban lasted one year, as he returned to the field in 2025 and won by eating 70.5 hot dogs. The Kentucky native was optimistic about his chances this time around leading up to the event.

"Feeling good, I'm hungry, and it's a beautiful day. This is going to be a great Fourth of July," Chestnut said Saturday on Good Morning America.

Despite being in his 40s now, Chestnut shows no signs of slowing down. He entered the Hot Dog Eating Contest two months after setting a world record at the Ultimate Bologna Showdown.

Chestnut remains the gold standard for hot dog eaters around the world. His 18 titles at the Nathan's Contest is three times more than any other male competitor has racked up in their careers. Takeru Kobayashi is a distant second with six titles (2001 to '06).

Miki Sudo, who ate 33 earlier in the day to retain her crown, on the women's side is the only other competitor with at least 10 career wins.