Joey Chestnut

Joey Chestnut (born November 25, 1983) is an American professional competitive eater widely regarded as the king of competitive eating. Ranked #1 in the world by Major League Eating, Chestnut has dominated the sport like no one before him, setting records, smashing food challenges, and becoming a household name in gastronomy sports.

Chestnut holds an astonishing 55 world records across a wide variety of eating disciplines, from hot dogs and chicken wings to poutine and noodles—making him one of the most decorated athletes in Major League Eating history.

He is best known for his legendary performances at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York—the most prestigious event in competitive eating. Chestnut first claimed the iconic Mustard Yellow Belt in 2007, defeating Japanese star Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi by devouring 66 hot dogs and buns in just 12 minutes.

Over his career, Chestnut has won the Nathan’s title 17 times, setting his personal best and the official world record at 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2021—an achievement that remains one of the sport’s most enduring milestones.

Beyond hot dogs, Chestnut’s competitive résumé spans an incredible range of foods and records, including iconic feats such as setting world records in poutine, shrimp, waffles, turkey, and tacos.

His ability to push the limits of what the human body can consume has earned him the nickname “Jaws,” a fitting tribute to his insatiable appetite and competitive ferocity.

Chestnut’s fame extends beyond the food table. He has appeared in TV shows, documentaries, and livestream events, including a widely watched Netflix special that reunited him with longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a dramatic head-to-head eating showdown.