Here’s how Joey Chestnut explains his ‘talent’ for smashing so many hot dogs in such little time.
The secret technique that lets Joey Chestnut eat over 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes revealed: “It’s actually science”
It turns out that ‘eating them really quickly’ is too simplified an explanation when it comes to munching over 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Apparently there’s real science behind it. It’s not complicated enough to fly a rocket, but there definitely appears to be some thought behind Joey Chestnut and his 17 Mustard Yellow Belt wins.
In 2025, the Indiana native ate 71 hot dogs in 10 minutes to reclaim his title. “Lots of people told me I was part of their Fourth of July and they missed me,” he told an ESPN reporter after the win. “I guaranteed I’d try hard and I didn’t want to let people down.”
‘It’s actually a science’ says co-founder
Major League Eating co-founder George Shea spoke to CNN‘s Harry Enten and he explained the perfect physical conditions needed for a pro-hot fog eater.
“If I were picking the best physique for a competitive eater, I would say 6ft2, big shoulders, big frame, but not tight abs. You don’t want to be ripped, you want expansion.”
He also revealed just what makes Chestnut so successful. “It’s actually a science,” Shea explains, “Joey is the best at it. He crunches it up in a ball, after he’s dunked it, and just drops it down his gullet... Joey is a big guy, he has an advantage, he’s done this for so long.”
Chestnut has won 17 of 20 attempts at the title, with his record coming in 2021 as he saw off 76 wieners and buns in the allotted time frame. Rather hilariously, Chestnut was banned from the 2024 edition of the games after he signed a deal with plant-based company Impossible Foods last year. He came back with a vengeance in 2025.
Related stories
Complete 4th of July sports schedule
A look at those who signed the Declaration of Independence
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment