History of Joey Chestnut in Timeline
Joseph Christian Chestnut is an American competitive eater who holds the top ranking worldwide according to Major League Eating, as of 2022.
November 25, 1983: Birth of Joey Chestnut
Joey Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983.
October 22, 2005: Grilled Cheese Eating Champion
On October 22, 2005, Chestnut set a new world record by eating 32.5 grilled cheese sandwiches in ten minutes at the Arizona State Fair.
2005: Entry into Competitive Eating and Third Place at Nathan's
In 2005, Chestnut, then a San Jose State University student, entered the competitive eating world and placed third in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 32 hot dogs and buns.
2005: Early Losses to Kobayashi
In 2005 and 2006, Chestnut faced defeat against Takeru Kobayashi in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
2006: Second Place to Kobayashi
In 2006, Chestnut placed second to Kobayashi in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 52 hot dogs and buns to Kobayashi's 53 3/4.
2006: Second Place in Nathan's Qualifying and Bratwurst Championship
In 2006, Chestnut qualified for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest by eating 50 hot dogs and buns and later lost to Kobayashi in the Johnsonville World Bratwurst Eating Championship, consuming 45 bratwurst sausages to Kobayashi's 58.
2006: Previous Gyoza Eating Championship Win
In 2006, Chestnut won the inaugural Gyoza Eating Championship, beating Sonya Thomas by consuming 212 gyoza.
July 4, 2007: First Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Victory
On July 4, 2007, Chestnut won his first Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, defeating six-time champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi by eating 66 hot dogs and buns.
October 28, 2007: Krystal Burger Eating Champion
On October 28, 2007, Chestnut set a new world record by eating 103 Krystal burgers at the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
2007: Wing Bowl XV Champion
In 2007, Chestnut won the Wing Bowl XV by eating 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes.
March 2, 2008: Matzo Ball Eating Champion
On March 2, 2008, Chestnut ate 78 matzo balls at Kenny & Ziggy's World Matzoh Ball Eating Championship in Houston, Texas.
March 24, 2008: The Big Texan Steak Ranch Record
On March 24, 2008, Chestnut set a new male record at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, by eating a 4.5 lb ribeye steak meal in 8 minutes and 52 seconds.
June 21, 2008: Loss to Kobayashi in Pizza Hut P'Zone Competition
On June 21, 2008, Chestnut lost to Takeru Kobayashi in a televised Pizza Hut P'Zone competition.
July 4, 2008: Nathan's Victory After Tiebreaker
On July 4, 2008, Chestnut tied with Takeru Kobayashi in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 59 hot dogs and buns. Chestnut won in a 5 HDB eat-off.
July 28, 2008: Loss to Kobayashi in Chicken Satay Eating Contest
On July 28, 2008, Chestnut lost to Takeru Kobayashi in a Chicken Satay eating contest at the MLE Asia inaugural event.
August 23, 2008: Gyoza Eating Champion and New World Record
On August 23, 2008, Chestnut won the Gyoza Eating Championship and set a new world record by consuming 231 gyoza.
October 12, 2008: Pizza Eating Champion
On October 12, 2008, Chestnut won the "Famous Famiglia World Pizza Eating Championship" in New York by eating 45 slices of pizza.
2008: New Wing Bowl Record
In 2008, Chestnut set a new Wing Bowl record by eating 241 wings in 30 minutes at Wing Bowl XVI.
February 21, 2009: Macaroni and Cheese World Record
On February 21, 2009, Chestnut set a new world record by eating 10.5 lbs of macaroni and cheese in seven minutes.
July 4, 2009: Third Consecutive Nathan's Victory and New World Record
On July 4, 2009, Chestnut won his third consecutive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and set a new world record by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns.
September 27, 2009: Loss to Kobayashi in Krystal Burger Championship
On September 27, 2009, Chestnut lost to Takeru Kobayashi in the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship, consuming 81 hamburgers to Kobayashi's 93.
May 8, 2010: Shrimp Wonton Eating Champion and World Record
On May 8, 2010, Chestnut won a shrimp wonton eating contest in Singapore, setting a new world record by consuming 380 wontons in eight minutes.
July 4, 2010: Fourth Consecutive Nathan's Victory
On July 4, 2010, Chestnut won his fourth consecutive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, eating 54 hot dogs and buns.
September 25, 2010: Upper Crust Pizza Eating competition
On September 25, 2010, Joey Chestnut won the Upper Crust Pizza Eating competition in Boston, Massachusetts, consuming 37 slices in 10 minutes. He beat Bob Shoudt by a single slice.
July 4, 2011: Fifth Consecutive Nathan's Victory
On July 4, 2011, Chestnut secured his fifth consecutive victory at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 62 hot dogs and buns.
2011: Kobayashi Breaks Wing Bowl Record
In 2011, Takeru Kobayashi broke Chestnut's Wing Bowl record at Wing Bowl XX, consuming 337 wings.
March 17, 2012: Toojay's Corned Beef Eating Competition
Joey Chestnut set a new world record on March 17, 2012, by eating 20.5 pounds of corned beef sandwiches in just 10 minutes at the annual Toojay's Corned Beef Eating Competition in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He secured the victory over competitor Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti.
July 4, 2012: Nathan's 97th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest
On July 4, 2012, Joey Chestnut achieved victory at Nathan's 97th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. He equaled his own world record by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns (HDB) in 10 minutes, earning him his 6th "mustard belt" for this competition.
July 16, 2012: Guest Appearance on Hell's Kitchen
On July 16, 2012, Joey Chestnut made a guest appearance on the 12th episode of Hell's Kitchen season 10. He participated in a wing-eating competition against several contestants and emerged victorious, winning $500.
August 27, 2012: Twitter Controversy
On August 27, 2012, Chestnut publicly criticized Takeru Kobayashi and Hofmann Hot Dogs on Twitter. He congratulated Kobayashi for "eating a bunch of nasty Hoffman crap dogs" and suggested Kobayashi needed an "ego boost after three years of dodging competition."
September 2, 2012: National Buffalo Wing Festival
On September 2, 2012, Joey Chestnut triumphed at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York. He secured the 1st place trophy by consuming an impressive 191 wings (7.61 lbs) in 12 minutes, defeating the previous five-year champion, Sonya Thomas.
October 13, 2012: Smoke's Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championships
Joey Chestnut emerged victorious at the Third Annual Smoke's Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championships in Toronto, Ontario, on October 13, 2012. He consumed 19 boxes (9.5 lbs) of poutine in just 10 minutes.
2012: Sixth Consecutive Nathan's Victory and World Record Tie
In 2012, Chestnut achieved his sixth consecutive win at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, tying his own world record by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns.
2012: Training Regimen and Competitive Drive
After his sixth consecutive hot dog eating contest victory in 2012, Chestnut stated, "I will not stop until I reach 70. This sport isn't about eating. It's about drive and dedication, and at the end of the day, hot dog eating challenges both my body and my mind." He trains for competitions by simulating the experience at home, starting with 40 hot dogs and gradually increasing the number.
July 4, 2013: Nathan's 98th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut continued his winning streak on July 4, 2013, at Nathan's 98th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. He surpassed his own world record of 68 hot dogs and buns by consuming 69, earning his 7th Mustard Belt.
July 25, 2013: Hooters World Wing-Eating Championship
Joey Chestnut claimed victory for the second consecutive year at the Hooters World Wing-Eating Championship in Clearwater, Florida, on July 25, 2013, by consuming 179 wings in 10 minutes.
September 22, 2013: Hillshire Farm Bratwurst Eating World Championship
On September 22, 2013, Joey Chestnut set a new world record and secured his fourth consecutive victory at the Hillshire Farm Bratwurst Eating World Championship held at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. He achieved this feat by consuming 70 bratwursts.
2013: Seventh Consecutive Nathan's Victory and New World Record
In 2013, Chestnut won his seventh straight Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title and set a new world record by consuming 69 hot dogs and buns.
July 4, 2014: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut emerged victorious against Matt Stonie at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2014, marking his eighth win. He consumed 61 hot dogs and buns, while Stonie consumed 56. Before the event, Chestnut proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Neslie Ricasa.
2014: Engagement
Chestnut proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Neslie Ricasa, in 2014.
2014: Eighth Consecutive Nathan's Victory
In 2014, Chestnut won his eighth consecutive Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title, consuming 61 hot dogs and buns.
April 19, 2015: Molly Schuyler Sets New Steak Record
On April 19, 2015, Molly Schuyler set a new overall record at The Big Texan Steak Ranch by consuming the meal in 4 minutes and 18 seconds.
July 4, 2015: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut was defeated by Matt Stonie at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2015, ending Chestnut's eight-year winning streak. Chestnut ate 60 hot dogs and buns, but Stonie surpassed him with 62.
2015: Breakup
Chestnut and Neslie Ricasa ended their relationship in 2015 before their scheduled wedding.
2015: Defeat by Matt Stonie
In 2015, Chestnut lost the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest to Matt Stonie.
July 4, 2016: Reclaiming the Championship
On July 4, 2016, Chestnut regained the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest championship from Matt Stonie, consuming 70 hot dogs.
September 4, 2016: United States Chicken Wing Eating Championships
On September 4, 2016, Joey Chestnut secured his third consecutive victory at the United States Chicken Wing Eating Championships in Buffalo, New York, by eating 188 wings in 12 minutes.
July 4, 2017: Raising the Bar
On July 4, 2017, Chestnut set a new world record at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 72 hot dogs.
2018: The Amazing Race and Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
In 2018, Joey Chestnut participated in The Amazing Race 30 alongside fellow competitive eater Tim Janus. He also clinched his 11th victory at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, setting a new record of 74 hot dogs and buns.
July 4, 2019: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut won his 12th title at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2019, consuming 71 hot dogs and buns.
October 19, 2019: World Poutine Eating Championship
On October 19, 2019, Chestnut won the World Poutine Eating Championship in Toronto, Canada. He set a new world record by consuming 28 pounds of poutine in 10 minutes.
2019: Twelfth Nathan's Victory
In 2019, Chestnut secured his twelfth Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest victory, consuming 71 hot dogs and buns.
July 4, 2020: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut claimed his 13th victory at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2020, consuming a record-breaking 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The event was held indoors without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 1, 2020: MrBeast YouTube Challenge
On August 1, 2020, Joey Chestnut participated in a MrBeast YouTube video in Greenville, North Carolina, where he consumed nine pounds of pizza in 32 minutes and 14 seconds.
October 1, 2020: Guest Appearance on Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?
Joey Chestnut appeared as himself in the animated series Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? on October 1, 2020.
2020: New World Record Amidst a Pandemic
In 2020, Chestnut set a new world record at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 75 hot dogs and buns.
July 4, 2021: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut won his 14th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title on July 4, 2021, setting a new record by eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
October 10, 2021: Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship
On October 10, 2021, Joey Chestnut triumphed at The 2021 Destination Outlets World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship in Jeffersonville, Ohio, consuming 16 lbs 12 oz of pumpkin pie in 8 minutes.
2021: Breaking His Own Record
In 2021, Chestnut broke his own world record at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 76 hot dogs and buns.
July 4, 2022: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Joey Chestnut won his 15th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title on July 4, 2022, consuming 63 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. During the event, Chestnut restrained a protestor who had rushed the stage.
2022: Ranked First in Major League Eating
As of 2022, Joey Chestnut was ranked first in the world by Major League Eating.
2022: Victory Despite Injury
In 2022, Chestnut won his fifteenth Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 63 hot dogs and buns despite a ruptured tendon in his leg.
April 6, 2023: Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship
On April 6, 2023, Joey Chestnut won the inaugural Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, consuming 14.5 burritos in 10 minutes.
July 4, 2023: Sixteenth Nathan's Victory
On July 4, 2023, Chestnut won his sixteenth Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, consuming 62 hot dogs and buns.