Joey Chestnut Net Worth

Joey Chestnut is a competitive eater who continues to break and set eating competition records. He is most famous for eating 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes on Independence Day in 2018. His record has not been broken yet, though he intends to break it himself by going for 80 hot dogs in 10 minutes. 

Do you know Joey Chestnut’s net worth and how he made his money? You might be surprised to find out what all Joey Chestnut has eaten to achieve his net worth today. He also trains for these food competitions, although probably not as you imagine. 

What is Joey Chestnut’s Net Worth?

Joey Chestnut is currently worth $2.5 million. He earns about $1 million annually from several income sources. 

Before 2019, Joey Chestnut net worth numbers ranked less than $1 million, but he continues to be a force to reckon with, both at and away from the table. 

The biggest Joey Chestnut net worth determining factor is his food-eating competitions and his endorsements. He also holds world records in various eating competitions, including various foods. 

Who is Joey Chestnut?

Joey Chestnut was born in Vallejo, California. He is a competitive eater who competes in several food-eating contests across the country. In fact, he holds dozens of odd world records when it comes to food. Specifically, he is known for winning the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2018 by eating 74 hot dogs and hot dog buns in 10 minutes. 

Chestnut also holds a construction management and engineering degree from San Jose State University. While some might consider his competitive eating fame to be the fuel for Joey Chestnut’s net worth figures, commitments to his career kept him from the competitive eating circuit for 6 years before gaining massive popularity. 

Joey Chestnut’s biggest rival is Takeru Kobayashi. Chestnut proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Neslie Ricasa, but they broke up before a wedding date could be set. 

How Did Joey Chestnut Make His Money?

Joey Chestnut began earning money by winning eating contests. The more contests he won, the more money he could make, not just from the competitions themselves. 

Chestnut defeated Takeru Kobayashi in 2011 by eating 74 hot dogs within a set timeframe. This ended the former champion’s reign and set the stage for Chestnut to continue winning eating contests around the country. 

For example, in 2016, Chestnut ate 23 meat pies at the Silver Slipper World Meat Pie Eating Championship. One year later, he ate 55 glazed donuts for the Salvation Army National Donut Day competition. At the 2021 TooJay’s World Class Corned Beef Eating championship, he ate 20 8-ounce corned beef sandwiches.

This food-eating mogul also diversified his talents to reach a wider audience than the crowds at his eating competitions. In fact, he makes a large portion of his income through endorsement deals and social media. Many like seeing Joey Chestnut eat, win prize money, and set a world record. Some might call what he does major league eating. 

Endorsements have included Pepto Bismol, Hooters, Coney Island IPA, and Hostess. Chestnut also sells his own brand of condiments as well. He has over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube and a generous social media following that boosts his popularity and his fan base.

Key Facts About Joey Chestnut

Joey Chestnut’s brother signed him up for his first eating competition. While the competitive eater dealt with a low income and likely entered to earn some extra cash, his success propelled him to become the competitive eater he is today. 

In 2005, Chestnut completed his first competitive eating contest by consuming 6.5 pounds of asparagus in just over 11 minutes. That same year, he ate 32 hot dogs and won another competition. Spurred on by his winnings, he received the title of the Waffle House World Waffle Eating Championship in 2005.

Chestnut now lives in Indiana and holds almost 50 world records in eating. He continues to compete in eating competitions. His weight fluctuates between 210 and 225 pounds. Training for competitions includes fasting and stretching his stomach using milk and protein supplements, among other methods. 

Despite dominating many eating competitions, Joey Chestnut sticks to a strict exercise routine. The rigorous schedule keeps his body in shape, as much as it might be hard to believe. 

The one food item Joey Chestnut refuses to consume? Raw oysters. 

Joey Chestnut has eaten a wide variety of foods for various competitions. These include donuts, fish tacos, burritos, chicken wings, apple pies, hamburgers, ice-cream sandwiches, funnel cakes, Philly cheesesteaks, pork ribs, shrimp wontons, Twinkies, and more. 

In November of 2014, Chestnut consumed an entire 9.35-pound turkey in 10 minutes at the Foxwoods Turkey Eating Championship. 

What’s Next for Joey Chestnut?

Joey Chestnut continues to participate in eating competitions and set records. His goal is to break some of his own records as the years go on, hoping to stay competitive. Soon, you’ll see him eating hot dogs at another Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest.

When the eating contests end, Chestnut will likely leverage his San Jose State University degree to find a less food-oriented position.  

Joey Chestnut FAQs

What is Joey Chestnut’s net worth?

Joey Chestnut has a net worth of $2.5 million. 

How much money does Joey Chestnut earn?

Joey Chestnut earns $1 million annually. 

How tall is Joey Chestnut?

Joey Chestnut is 6 foot. 

How old is Joey Chestnut?

Joey Chestnut is currently 38 years old. 

When is Joey Chestnut’s birthday?

Joey Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983.

How much can you make in competitive eating contests?

Every contest has a set prize amount depending on the popularity of the contest and the sponsors involved. Generally speaking, you can typically win anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per win. 

Joey Chestnut FAQs