History of Joey Chestnut in Timeline

Joey Chestnut, an American competitive eater, is widely regarded as the greatest in history. As of 2024, he holds 55 world records across various disciplines and is ranked first in the world by Major League Eating. Chestnut is best known for his dominance at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, having won the Mustard Yellow Belt a record-breaking 17 times.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Pepto-Bismol Promotion Deal

In 2010, Joey Chestnut accepted an offer from Pepto-Bismol to promote and participate in four competitive eating contests, earning $10,000 for each event.

2014: Proposed to Neslie Ricasa

In 2014, Joey Chestnut proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Neslie Ricasa, just before defending his title in the Nathan's competition.

2015: Split with Neslie Ricasa

In early 2015, Joey Chestnut and Neslie Ricasa split up prior to their scheduled wedding date.

2018: Launched Condiment Company

In 2018, Joey Chestnut launched his first company featuring a line of condiments which includes two mustards (Deli Style Picnic Mustard and Spicy Brown Firecracker Mustard) and ketchup called Classic Boardwalk Coney Sauce.

July 4, 2020: 13th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Title

On July 4, 2020, Joey Chestnut won his 13th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title, setting a new record by consuming 75 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes. The event was held indoors with fewer competitors and no spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions.

August 1, 2020: Pizza Eating Contest in MrBeast YouTube Video

On August 1, 2020, Joey Chestnut participated in a pizza-eating contest for a MrBeast YouTube video in Greenville, North Carolina, where he consumed nine pounds (4.1 kg) of pizza in 32 minutes and 14 seconds.

July 4, 2021: 14th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Title

On July 4, 2021, Joey Chestnut secured his 14th title at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, setting a new record by eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

October 10, 2021: The 2021 Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship

On October 10, 2021, Joey Chestnut won The 2021 Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship in Jeffersonville, Ohio, by consuming 16 lbs 12 oz of pumpkin pie in 8 minutes.

July 4, 2022: 15th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Title

On July 4, 2022, Joey Chestnut won his 15th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title, eating 63 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The contest was interrupted by a protestor, whom Chestnut placed in a chokehold.

2022: Signed with Everest Talent Management

In 2022, Joey Chestnut signed with Everest Talent Management. The company secured him promotional deals with Dude Wipes, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, Wonderful Pistachios, and Pepsi.

2022: Mother Alicia Passed Away

In 2022, Joey Chestnut's mother, Alicia, passed away just days before he won his 15th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title.

April 6, 2023: First-Ever Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship

On April 6, 2023, which was National Burrito Day, Joey Chestnut won the first-ever Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consuming 14.5 burritos in 10 minutes.

July 4, 2023: 16th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Title

On July 4, 2023, Joey Chestnut won his 16th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title, consuming 62 hot dogs. The contest was delayed by thunderstorms, and Chestnut reportedly played a significant role in reversing the decision to cancel the event.

June 11, 2024: Banned From Nathan's and Attended Fort Bliss' Pop Goes the Fort celebration

On June 11, 2024, Joey Chestnut was banned from participating in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest due to Chestnut accepting sponsorship from Impossible Foods. Chestnut responded by saying a rule change regarding sponsors was the basis for his ban. MLE clarified he could still appear at the annual contest. Chestnut instead agreed to attend Fort Bliss' Pop Goes the Fort celebration and compete in a 4-versus-1 eating competition with a five-minute time limit. He ate 57 hot dogs in five minutes, nearly tying Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Patrick Bertoletti's count of 58 hot dogs in ten minutes. Chestnut won the contest, as the four Army soldiers ate 49 hot dogs all together, with Impossible Foods donating $106,000 to Operation Homefront as a result.

September 2024: Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef

In September 2024, Joey Chestnut competed against Takeru Kobayashi in a live-streamed Netflix event titled Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, winning by eating 83 hot dogs and buns to Kobayashi's 66.

Loading Video...

2024: Sponsorship Deal with Impossible Foods and Ban from Nathan's Contest

In 2024, Joey Chestnut signed a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based food company, to promote their new vegan hot dog ahead of the summer. As a result of the partnership, he was banned from that year's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

July 4, 2025: Return to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

On July 4, 2025, Joey Chestnut made his return to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest by consuming 70.5 HDB to reclaim the title, his 17th overall. The next closest competitor was defending champion Patrick Bertoletti with 46.5 HDB.