Joey Chestnut revealed how he uses “burping exercises” and dietary restrictions to prepare 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 told The New York Post in an interview 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, will make his comeback to the Coney Island, New York contest this year, after previously being banned due to an endorsement deal with a plant-based product.
As Chestnut gears up to face the world’s greatest eaters on July 4, he has lifted the lid on his pre-game strategy. He pointed out that the most important factor in preparation is to “stay calm” the night before the Hot Dog Eating Contest.
“I usually watch some old practices, almost kind of simulated contests just swallowing air, go through the motions,” he said. “Usually I’m in bed before 9 p.m., wake up about 5 a.m. and start doing stretches and yoga and burping exercises to get my stomach loose and stretched after sleeping.”
He frequently drinks “aloe vera juice” to keep his throat lubricated too, but tries to avoid solid food as much as possible in the hours before bell time.
“The day before I usually have to eat a hot dog at the weigh-in,” he said. “Before that, I usually have some eggs for breakfast. Maybe a little bit of protein, like protein shake that day. I go in really, really empty the day of the contest.”
Lots of fans probably wonder what the rest of the day is like for Chestnut after he shoves as many hot dogs into his mouth as possible for the contest. For starters, Chestnut definitely skips dinner that night.
“Usually I’m in bed,” he admitted. “Sometimes I’m going for a walk if I get up from sleeping. If I can, maybe some yogurt, maybe a little salad. I don’t really have much until the next day. Even if I’m not hungry, I’m trying to eat salad, just trying to keep things moving.”
Earlier this month, Chestnut celebrated his return to the Nathan’s event by insisting that it “means the world to me” to compete for the brand once again.
“It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life,” he wrote via Instagram on June 17. “While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs. To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”
He went on, “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 live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands! Stay hungry!”
The 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest airs Friday, July 4, on ESPN.
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