He’s top dog again.

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut was once again crowned champion of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in his triumphant return to the Fourth of July competition after skipping last year due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand.

Chestnut, 41, scarfed down an incredulous 70.5 hot dogs in front of a raucous crowd in Coney Island on Friday and reclaimed the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time. The feat was close but not close enough to beat his own record of 76 franks he set at the competition in 2021.

Competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut was once again crowned champion of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in his triumphant return to the Fourth of July competition. Getty Images

“Man, I wish I didn’t need a couple more. I’m sorry guys,” Chestnut said after the scarf-fest. “My goal was 70-77 — I really wanted a little bit more.”

“But yeah, I’ll be back next year,” he added. “I’m just happy I’m here, and happy Fourth of July.”

Chestnut as he was announced the winner at this year’s contest after eating 70.5 hot dogs. Getty Images

The champ noted that despite the sure-handed victory over his 14 competitors, this was his first Nathan’s competition since he turned 40, and he was feeling his age.

“I know it’s going to keep getting harder and harder to break records — I’ll figure it out,” he said. 

“Man, I wish I could have ate a couple more. I’m sorry, guys,” said Chestnut, who did not beat his 76-hot-dog record he set in 2021. “My goal was 70 to 77.” Getty Images

Chestnut made his eagerly-awaited return after he was bounced from the contest in 2024 over his deal with Impossible Foods, which had recently launched a plant-based hot dog.

The Indiana native’s wild fans — many donning hot dog hats — roared for 10 minutes straight as Chestnut shoveled scores of glizzies into his mouth in his typical fashion: two hot dogs at a time, followed by two buns.

Patrick Bertoletti, who was able to dominate last July 4 with Chestnut absent, didn’t even come close Friday with 46.5 hot dogs and buns consumed.

Joey Chestnut during the 2025 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, at Coney Island, Brooklyn. REUTERS

Last year, Bertoletti scarfed down 58 dogs and buns and became the first person since 2015 not named Chestnut to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition.

At his weigh-in Thursday, the top dog said last year’s beef wouldn’t hold him back.

“I’ll be back next year,” Chestnut said. “I’m just happy I’m here, and happy Fourth of July.” Paul Martinka for the NYPost

Chestnut skipped last year’s competition due to a sponsorship dispute with a vegan wiener brand. Getty Images

“We didn’t burn any bridges. I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I’m happy we figured it out,” Chestnut said.

So are his fans.

Signs Friday at Coney Island read: “Joey Chestnut, come take a spin on the cyclone baby! Coney Island misses you” and “Joey Chestnut I want to have your baby.”

Joey Chestnut’s name is placed before the men’s competition at Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City. Getty Images

And when Major League Eating event organizer George Shea declared “Joey Chestnut is back,” the crowd erupted.

The wholesome, if ridiculous, contest draws thousands of cheering fans from all over the country to New York City’s iconic boardwalk each Independence Day since its official inception in 1972.

In the women’s contest, held before the men took the stage, reigning champ Miki Sudo held onto her title with 33 dogs downed. But her victory was a little overshadowed by her failure to come close to her record of 51 franks in last year’s challenge.

Joey Chestnut, a multi-time winner, and Patrick Bertoletti, last year’s men’s champion, compete during the 2025 Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. REUTERS

Chestnut scarfed down an incredible 70.5 hot dogs and reclaimed the Mustard Belt for a record 17th time. Getty Images

Sudo’s victory marked her 11th win and cemented her streak of never losing at Coney Island. 

Michelle Lesco, who took home the belt in 2021 when Sudo was pregnant and couldn’t compete, came in second with 22.75 dogs. Domenica Dee in her Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest debut came in third, swallowing 21.5. 

Chestnut dethroned reigning champ Patrick Bertoletti. Getty Images

But many had flocked to the beach just to see Joey “Jaws” Chestnut.

Susan Solis, 61, traveled all the way from Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband to watch Chestnut win for the couple’s 11th anniversary.

“My husband asked where I wanted to go. I said I wanted to spend the Fourth of July in Coney Island and watch Joey win,” she told The Post, adding that she planned on heading back to Manhattan to watch the Macy’s fireworks show later.

“I love this event. I was willing to keep talking and I’m happy we figured it out,” Chestnut said of the dust-up with Major League Eating. REUTERS

 Chestnut’s personal record is gulping down 76 dogs in 10 minutes. EMILY MARTINKA

AJ Fing, a support specialist from New Jersey, said he came this year to see Chestnut back on the stage.

“I’m glad he came back. He’s an icon of July 4th — Uncle Sam, the bald eagle and Joey Chestnut,” the 25-year-old said.

Lee Henry said this was his 23rd Fourth of July on Coney Island for the spectacle.

“The king is back … it’s pure American,” The Summit, New Jersey, native said of Chestnut’s victory.

“I guarantee you he’ll beat his own record,” he added. “He really is a pro.”