Joey Chestnut wrote on social media “thrilled to be returning” to the competition that was “a huge part of my life.”

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Though in the case of Joey Chestnut, it may be that absence makes the heart grow hungrier.

Joey Chestnut is back. The legendary competitive eater announced on Monday that he will be returning to the Nathan's Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut, 41, was banned from the 2024 contest due to an endorsement with Impossible Foods,