Hot dog eating champ Joey Chestnut will return to the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Brooklyn this year, Major League Eating said Monday.

The competition will take place on Friday, July 4 outside the Nathan’s flagship restaurant in Coney Island.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote on X. “This event means the world to me. It’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.”

Last year, Chestnut said he had been banned from the contest after choosing to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs.

“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs,” Chestnut wrote Monday. “To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with.”

“I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground,” he added. “I’m excited to be back on the Coney Island stage, doing what I live to do, and celebrating the Fourth of July with hot dogs in my hands!”

Pre-show festivities for the annual contest will begin at 10 a.m., with the women’s competition starting at 11 a.m. and the men’s competition starting at 12:30 p.m., Major League Eating said.

Last year, Patrick Bertoletti’s secured his first win, devouring 58 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes.

Miki Sudo, the world’s top female competitive eater, won for the 10th time and established a world record by eating 51 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

This year, participants will aim to break Sudo’s record, as well as the men’s world record of 76, which was set by Chestnut in 2021.