Image Credit: @PardonMyMeme on X

 New York — Joey Chestnut, the 16-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, continues to dominate headlines not only for his eating prowess but also for his personal life, which has seen dramatic turns over the years. As fans cheer for his victories, many are curious about the man behind the competitive eater persona—particularly his love life.

Chestnut, widely regarded as the greatest competitive eater of all time, was once engaged to longtime girlfriend Neslie Ricasa. The couple dated for several years before Chestnut proposed to her in a grand gesture on stage just moments before the start of the 2014 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The moment was broadcast live and received extensive media coverage, symbolizing what many thought would be a fairytale ending.

However, the couple called off their engagement in early 2015, only months before their planned wedding. Chestnut later acknowledged that the pressures of his career—frequent travel, demanding training schedules, and media obligations—played a significant role in the breakup. Despite the public nature of their relationship and proposal, the end of their engagement was handled relatively quietly.

Following the breakup, Neslie Ricasa moved on with her life. She eventually married Drew Fly and is now a mother of two, living in San Jose, California. Professionally, she has built a stable career in finance and accounting, having held positions as a financial analyst and accounts receivable coordinator.

As for Chestnut, he appears to be single as of mid-2025. While there have been rumors and speculative reports about new romantic interests, nothing has been publicly confirmed. He remains largely private about his personal relationships and has focused his attention on maintaining his title as the reigning hot dog eating champion.

Chestnut recently made a triumphant return to the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest after being sidelined in 2024 due to a sponsorship disagreement. His comeback was met with enthusiasm by fans, who continue to admire his dedication to the sport.

In the eyes of the public, Joey Chestnut’s personal journey is just as compelling as his professional one—marked by love, heartbreak, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.