An American competitive eater. Ranked the number one competitive eater in the world by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. Originally from Vallejo, California. Nicknamed "Jaws."

Chestnut is best known for his performances at the Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest held every Fourth of July on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. Chestnut won his first Nathan's title in 2007 when he dethroned the six-time defending champion, Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi by devouring 66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, setting a new world record. In 2008 he defeated Kobayashi in a 5 hot dog eating after the two eaters tied by eating 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Chestnut won again in 2009 by setting another world record, 68 hot dogs. Chestnut won his fourth straight title in 2010 (Kobayashi did not compete due to a contract dispute). Jaws won his fifth-straight title in 2011 with 62 hot dogs. He won again in 2012 by tying his own world record of 68 hot dogs. In 2013 he won his seventh straight title by setting yet another world record with 69 hot dogs.

The following are world records which he holds:

9.8 pounds of pork rib meat in 12 minutes.

4.5 pounds of steak plus sides in 8 minutes, 52 seconds.

9 pounds, 5.2 ounces of tempura-fried asparagus.

69 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

241 chicken wings.

103 hamburgers.

78 matzoh balls in 8 minutes.

22.25 gyros in 10 minutes.