Joey Chestnut defended his title at the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday, consuming 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to secure his 18th victory. The reigning champion reclaimed the Mustard Belt after missing the 2024 event due to sponsorship issues. His performance fell short of his all-time record of 76 hot dogs and buns, set in 2021, but solidified his dominance in the competition. Patrick Bertoletti finished second with 51 hot dogs and buns.
In the women's division, Miki Sudo won her 12th consecutive title, eating 38 3/4 hot dogs and buns. She holds the women's record of 51 hot dogs and buns, achieved in 2021. Michelle Lesco, the 2021 winner, placed second with 22 hot dogs and buns.
The event, held at Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, drew a large crowd despite sweltering heat. Spectators chanted Chestnut's name as he approached the 50-dog mark. Both winners expressed pride in their performances, with Chestnut calling the event "a dream" and Sudo celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary.
Chestnut competed while serving a 180-day probation for a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an incident earlier this year. He was granted permission to travel to New York for the contest.
The Nathan's Famous contest, a Fourth of July tradition, has faced changes this year, including the sale of the sponsor to Smithfield Foods in January. Despite controversies, the event proceeded as planned, attracting competitors and spectators from across the country.