Last July 4, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut did it again. He won the 2025 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island in New York City. It was Chestnut’s 17th time winning the event. In just 10 minutes, he wolfed down more than 70 hot dogs and buns.
About 1.6 million people watched the contest on television and online. Each year, countless people enjoy events like these, where competitors eat everything from doughnuts and pies to chicken wings and burgers. Many fans find these competitions fun and harmless. They point out that speed eaters spend a lot of time training, just like athletes do, and they know what their bodies can safely handle.
However, many health experts say speed-eating contests send the message that overeating should be celebrated. They argue that competitors risk damaging their stomachs and jaws by eating so much so quickly. Other people say these competitions are wasteful, especially when so many Americans don’t have enough to eat.