Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut has announced his return to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after a one-year absence from the annual Fourth of July event. Chestnut, a 16-time champion, missed last year's contest due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating over his deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based hot dog company.

Chestnut expressed his excitement about coming back to the iconic event, calling it a cherished tradition and a significant part of his life. Despite his continued partnerships in the plant-based industry, he emphasized his love for hot dogs and his eagerness to compete on the Coney Island stage once again.

Major League Eating president Richard Shea shared his enthusiasm for Chestnut's return, anticipating an epic showdown at this year's contest. Last year's men's champion, Patrick Bertoletti, consumed 58 hot dogs and buns, while women's winner Miki Sudo ate 51. Chestnut holds the contest record with 76 hot dogs and buns devoured in 2021.

The upcoming event is scheduled for July 4 at Coney Island in New York and will be televised on ESPN platforms.