Joey Chestnut Net Worth

What is Joey Chestnut's Net Worth and Career Earnings?

Joey Chestnut is an American competitive eater with a net worth of $3.5 million. Joey Chestnut is arguably the most successful competitive eater in history. He first became famous in 2007 when he won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest for the first time. On July 4, 2023, he won the competition for the 16th time. At various times in history, Joey has been the top-ranked eater in the world by the Major League of Eating.

Chestnut's journey to becoming a competitive eating icon began in 2005 when he debuted at the Nathan's contest, consuming 32 hot dogs. He quickly rose through the ranks, dethroning the previous champion, Takeru Kobayashi, in 2007. Since then, Chestnut has been a dominant force in the world of competitive eating.

In addition to his success at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut has set numerous records in various food disciplines. These include eating 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes, 141 hard-boiled eggs in 8 minutes, and 53 soft beef tacos in 10 minutes. His most impressive performance came in 2021 when he consumed 76 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, setting a new world record. His remarkable ability to consume large quantities of food quickly has earned him the nickname "Jaws" and has made him a household name in the competitive eating community.

Annual Earnings

The top prize for winning Nathan's is $10,000. It's not a ton of money, but it provides, by far, the most exposure all these athletes will receive throughout the year. A top competitive eater can easily earn $250,000 – $500,000 per year from prize money and sponsorships. Joey's longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi, has not competed at Nathan's in recent years ever since Takeru found himself involved in a contract dispute with the Major League Eating organization.

Joey has a line of condiments sold under his name. He sells mustard, dipping sauce, coney sauce, hot sauce, and more.

Impossible Foods Endorsement

In June 2024, it was revealed that Joey had signed a 4-year, $1.2 million endorsement deal with vegan food company Impossible Foods. The deal, which works out to an average annual payment of $400,000, somewhat precludes Joey from participating in Nathan's annual Fourth of July contest. He was not BANNED from the contest, as many outlets reported at the time of the announcement.

Netflix Kobayashi Showdown

A day after his Impossible Foods deal was announced, it was revealed that Joey had signed a deal with Netflix to do a live face-off against Kabayashi. The live event, which is called "Chestnut Vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," aired on September 2, 2024.

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Early Life

Joey Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky. Raised in a modest household, he spent much of his childhood in nearby Vallejo, California. Joey developed a passion for competitive eating during his college years at San Jose State University, but his early interests were more typical of an athlete. Growing up, Chestnut played sports, particularly wrestling, and was known for his competitive spirit. He even trained in martial arts, which helped build his mental toughness and focus—a crucial attribute for success in competitive eating.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Success

Joey Chestnut's competitive eating career skyrocketed after he entered the world-famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2005. That first year, he placed third, eating 32 hot dogs in just 12 minutes. While it wasn't a victory, it was clear that Chestnut had the potential to challenge the reigning champion, Takeru Kobayashi, who had won six consecutive titles by that point. At that time, Kobayashi was the dominant force in competitive eating, holding the record with 49 hot dogs consumed in 12 minutes.

Chestnut's breakthrough came in 2007 when he dethroned Kobayashi in one of the most memorable contests in Nathan's history. Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs, beating Kobayashi by just three, who consumed 63. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable reign, and Chestnut would go on to dominate Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest for the next decade. His 2007 win was just the start of a series of victories, each showcasing his growing prowess.

From 2007 to 2015, Chestnut claimed the Nathan's title eight times in a row, cementing his status as the most successful eater in the competition's history. His victories were not just about winning; each year, Chestnut raised the bar for competitive eating. In 2008, he ate 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes, another impressive performance that further showcased his dominance. However, it wasn't until 2013 that Chestnut broke his personal best at Nathan's, eating 69 hot dogs and setting a new record for himself, further solidifying his place in eating history.

Chestnut's reign faced challenges along the way. In 2015, Matt Stonie shocked the world by dethroning Chestnut at Nathan's, narrowly beating him with 62 hot dogs to Chestnut's 60. The defeat was a setback for Chestnut, but his determination and will to reclaim the title were unwavering. Just one year later, Chestnut returned to Nathan's with renewed vigor and reclaimed the title in 2016, eating 70 hot dogs, setting a new record for himself. That victory marked a major turning point in his career, as he once again proved his dominance over the competition.

From 2016 to 2022, Chestnut continued his winning streak at Nathan's. Each victory, though impressive, came with a new challenge. In 2021, Chestnut set the ultimate benchmark when he ate 76 hot dogs in just 10 minutes, breaking the previous world record. This feat was particularly remarkable, as it was not only a victory but also a new standard for what was possible in competitive eating. Despite a protester interrupting the contest, whom Chestnut placed in a chokehold, he managed to finish with 63 hot dogs in 10 minutes, securing his 15th Nathan's title in 2022.

Chestnut's dominance continued in 2023 when he won his 16th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title, eating 62 hot dogs, securing his legacy as the most successful competitive eater in the history of Nathan's contest. His performance in 2023 further proved his skill, consistency, and ability to dominate in a sport where new challengers always emerge. That victory solidified his continued reign at Nathan's, despite the emergence of younger competitors attempting to dethrone him.

In 2024, Chestnut defended his title once again at Nathan's, claiming his 17th victory and further asserting his place in competitive eating lore. His remarkable career shows no signs of slowing down, and his legendary performances in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest are a testament to his unparalleled resilience and dominance in the sport.

Chestnut's record at Nathan's is not just about the wins but the legacy he has built—one that includes unmatched records, thrilling rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Each of his titles and record-breaking feats continues to inspire new generations of competitive eaters.

Other Major Competitive Eating Achievements

Beyond Nathan's, Chestnut has dominated numerous other competitive eating events, setting world records and proving his versatility. In 2007, he won the Wing Bowl XV in Philadelphia by eating 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes. The same year, he also claimed victory in the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship, devouring 103 Krystal burgers in under eight minutes.

Chestnut's prowess continued to shine in other competitions:

• In 2008, he set world records by eating 241 wings at the Wing Bowl and 78 matzo balls at the Kenny & Ziggy's World Matzoh Ball Eating Championship.
• In 2009, he broke another record, consuming 10.5 pounds of macaroni and cheese in just seven minutes.
• He has also dominated other major contests, including the Pepto Bismol Bratwurst Eating Championship (42 brats in 12 minutes), the Shrimp Wontons contest in Singapore, and the Upper Crust Pizza Eating Championship (37 slices in 10 minutes).

One of his most impressive victories outside Nathan's was at the 2021 Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship, where he consumed an incredible 14.5 burritos in just 10 minutes, further establishing his status as one of the greatest competitive eaters of all time.

Training and Records

Joey Chestnut's competitive eating success is not only a result of his natural ability but also his intense and focused training regimen. Chestnut trains year-round, stretching his stomach with milk, water, and protein supplements to increase his capacity. He specifically prepares for Nathan's by consuming large amounts of food in practice, including eating up to 40 hot dogs in one sitting and progressively building up his stamina.

Over the years, Chestnut has set numerous eating records across various disciplines:

• Hot Dogs: 76 in 10 minutes (2021)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: 141 in 8 minutes
• Bratwurst: 70 in 10 minutes
• Matzo Balls: 78 in 8 minutes
• Steak: 4.5 pounds with sides in under 9 minutes
• Pork Ribs: 13.76 pounds in 12 minutes
• Asparagus: 12.8 pounds in 10 minutes

His ability to set and break records is a testament to his extraordinary eating capacity and preparation.

Television and Media Appearances

Joey Chestnut has also found a place in popular media, showcasing his competitive eating skills to a wider audience. In 2018, he competed on "The Amazing Race 30," alongside fellow competitive eater Tim Janus. The show highlighted his unique talents and brought him even more recognition. Chestnut also made an appearance on "Hell's Kitchen," where he competed in a wing-eating challenge against the contestants, further solidifying his status as a public figure.

(Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

Training

Chestnut has stated that he trains for competitions by fasting and stretching his stomach with milk, water, and protein supplements. He specifically trains for hot dog competitions by eating 40 hot dogs at one time and slowly eating more each day in order to reach competition-winning numbers.

Other Accolades and Records

Competitive eating is a full-time job for Joey. He trains all year round by constantly fasting and stretching his stomach with protein supplements, water, and milk. Throughout the year, Joey's weight fluctuates between 210 and 225 pounds.

Joey holds the records for eating hard-boiled eggs (141 in eight minutes), bratwurst (70 in 10 minutes), Matzoh balls (78 in eight minutes), hot dogs (69 in 10 minutes at the 2013 Nathan's contest), steak (4.5 pounds plus sides in under nine minutes), pork ribs (13.76 pounds in 12 minutes) and asparagus (12.8 pounds in 10 minutes). On July 4, 2016, Joey ate 70 hot dogs. A year later, he ate 72. A year later, he ate a world-record 74. At the 2019 Nathan's contest, he secured a 12th title with 71 dogs eaten. In 2021, Chestnut ate 76 hot dogs, setting a new world record. In April 2023, on National Burrito Day, Joey won the first-ever Qdoba World Burrito Eating Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, eating 14.5 burritos in 10 minutes.

Personal Life

Just before defending his title in the 2014 Nathan's competition, Chestnut proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Neslie Ricasa. However, the couple split up a year later, in early 2015, before their scheduled wedding date. Chestnut lives in Westfield, Indiana.

Real Estate

In April 2021, Joey paid $675,000 for a home in Westfield, Indiana. He previously owned a home in San Jose, California, that he bought in 2014 for $618,000 and sold in 2022 for $1.3 million.

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