Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025: Inside Joey Chestnut’s Training Secrets
Joey Chestnut shared insights on his “burping exercises” and dietary practices as he prepares for his return to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
“I convince myself that there’s only one outcome [of] this contest,” he mentioned in an interview with The New York Post published on Saturday, June 28. “Once I think [my opponents] can see that I’m convinced, and the audience is convinced, it’s really hard for them to overcome. If I convince myself, then everybody else falls in line.”
The world record-holding competitive eater, 41, is making his comeback to the Coney Island contest this year after a previous ban due to an endorsement deal with a plant-based product.
As Chestnut prepares to face off against the world’s top eaters on July 4, he has revealed his pre-game strategy. He emphasized that the key to his preparation is to “stay calm” the night before the Hot Dog Eating Contest.
“I typically watch old practices, almost like simulated contests just swallowing air, going through the motions,” he explained. “I’m usually in bed before 9 p.m., wake up around 5 a.m., and start doing stretches, yoga, and burping exercises to loosen and stretch my stomach after sleeping.”
He often drinks “aloe vera juice” to keep his throat hydrated but tries to avoid solid food as much as possible leading up to the contest.
“The day before, I usually have to eat a hot dog at the weigh-in,” he stated. “Before that, I typically have some eggs for breakfast, maybe a protein shake that day. I go in really, really empty on contest day.”
Many fans might wonder about Chestnut’s day after he consumes countless hot dogs during the contest. For one, he definitely skips dinner that night.
“Usually, I’m in bed,” he confessed. “Sometimes I take a walk if I wake up. If I can, I might have some yogurt or a small salad. I don’t eat much until the next day; even if I’m not hungry, I try to eat some salad to keep everything moving.”
Earlier this month, Chestnut celebrated his return to Nathan’s event by expressing how much it means to him to compete for the brand once more.
“It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” he shared on Instagram on June 17. “While I have and continue to partner with various companies, including some in the plant-based sector, those relationships never conflicted with my passion for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
He added, “I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground. I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I love, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in hand! Stay hungry!”
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be broadcast on Friday, July 4, on ESPN.
