Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut aims for a comeback win at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NYC

CONEY ISLAND — The Nathan’s Famous Independence Day hot dog eating contest has returned, with renowned competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut aiming for his 17th victory on Friday.

The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana missed the previous year’s event due to a contract disagreement involving a deal with a rival brand, Impossible Foods, known for its plant-based meat. However, he is back now, stating that the issues have been resolved.

Patrick Bertoletti, of Chicago, won the title in Chestnut’s absence and is the defending men’s champion.

In the women’s category, reigning champion Miki Sudo, 39, from Tampa, Florida, is this year’s top contender, striving for her 11th title. She set a record last year by consuming 51 hot dogs.

The annual gastronomic battle, which dates back to 1972, is held in front of the original Nathan’s Famous’ restaurant at New York’s Coney Island and draws large crowds of fans, many in foam hot dog hats.

Competitors in the men’s and women’s categories chow down as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes. They are allowed to dunk the dogs in cups of water to soften them up, creating a stomach-churning spectacle.

The 15 men in the competition hail from across the U.S. and internationally, including Australia, Czech Republic, Canada, England and Brazil.

The 13 women competitors are all Americans.

Joey Chestnut set the world record of eating 76 wieners and buns in 10 minutes on July 4, 2021. He has won a record 16 Mustard Belts. Instead of appearing in New York last year, Chestnut ate 57 dogs – in only five minutes – in an exhibition with soldiers, in El Paso, Texas.

Chestnut told The Associated Press last month that while he was happy to compete at that event, he was “really happy to be back at Coney Island.”

Chestnut said he had never appeared in any commercials for Impossible Foods’ vegan hot dogs and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he has worked with. But he acknowledged he “should have made that more clear with Nathan’s.”