Joey "Jaws" Chestnut confirmed his return to the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, marking his 20th appearance after skipping the previous year due to a contract dispute. Chestnut, the reigning champion with 16 titles, expressed his attachment to the event, calling it an essential part of his life and American culture. Despite his collaboration with Impossible Foods, he clarified that Nathan's remains his only hot dog partner. Both he and Major League Eating's Richard Shea shared relief over resolving past misunderstandings, emphasizing the significance of Chestnut's participation this year.
"This event means the world to me," Chestnut, 41, said in a message posted on X. "It's a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life."
"I think it's the return of the greatest competitive eater of all time to the biggest competitive eating event of all time. So I don't think it gets much bigger in any sport," Shea said.
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