Joey Chestnut Prepares for His Hot Dog Comeback

As the countdown to the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest begins, Joey Chestnut is ready to reclaim his title. The competitive eater is gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying showdown, revealing some fascinating details behind his preparation.

“I convince myself that there’s only one outcome of this contest,” Chestnut shared with The New York Post. As the world record-holder, he’s set to face off against elite eaters on July 4, following a brief break linked to an endorsement with a plant-based brand.

Chestnut’s pre-contest routine is anything but normal. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm, especially the night before the big event. “Stay calm. I usually watch some old practices, almost kind of simulated contests just swallowing air, go through the motions. 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 explained.

The Secrets of His Preparation

Curious about those burping exercises? Chestnut breaks it down: “I swallow air and burp it up just to get those muscles used to being stretched.” It’s a unique strategy that showcases his commitment to mastering every aspect of competitive eating.

<pTo ensure he’s in peak condition, the reigning champion keeps his throat lubricated with aloe vera juice. However, he abstains from solid food leading up to the contest, noting, "The day before I usually have to eat a hot dog at the weigh-in. Before that, I usually have some eggs for breakfast, maybe a little bit of protein, like a protein shake. I go in really, really empty the day of the contest.”

Fans can expect to see a slightly more subdued Chestnut after the contest, as he typically goes light on food. “Usually I’m in bed. 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,” he shared.

Last year, at the Pop Goes the Fort eating contest in Texas, Chestnut astonished spectators by consuming 57 hot dogs in just five minutes, outpacing the nearest competitor by eight. His incredible feats continue to draw admiration and intrigue.

With anticipation building, fans can tune in to watch Chestnut’s much-anticipated return this July 4 on ESPN. The atmosphere promises to be electric, as he steps back into the spotlight to defend his title once again.