Share on FacebookConey Island was sizzling this Fourth of July as Joey "Jaws" Chestnut proved once again why he's the king of competitive eating. At the iconic Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut devoured a jaw-dropping 74 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, setting a new world record and clinching his 11th Mustard Belt.
Chestnut’s Feast of Victory
Chestnut, 34, found his rhythm early on, powering through hot dog after hot dog with unmatched focus. "I found a vicious rhythm," he said, adding, "I was feeling good today."
His performance left no doubt about his dominance as he outpaced second-place finisher Carmen Cincotti by a full 10 dogs.
A Moment of Controversy
The event wasn’t without drama. A judging error initially cast doubt over the final numbers when officials missed that the competitors were pulling hot dogs from two plates. George Shea, the contest’s legendary announcer, clarified the mix-up. "Frankly, the judging was just off," Shea admitted.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stepped in to certify the final tally, confirming Chestnut's historic total of 74 hot dogs—two more than his record-breaking performance last year.
Despite the mix-up, Cincotti, who celebrated his 26th birthday at the event, showed sportsmanship. "At the end of the day, Joey Chestnut came in here and ate 74 hot dogs, broke a world record," he said with a laugh. "Apparently they were good dogs."
Miki Sudo Holds Her Title
The women's competition was just as thrilling. Miki Sudo, 33, defended her title for the fifth consecutive year, downing 37 hot dogs and buns to claim the top prize. Though she fell short of her personal record of 41 hot dogs from last year, Sudo still beat second-place finisher Mischelle Lesco of Tucson, who ate 28 hot dogs.
A Day to Remember
For some fans, the event wasn’t just about the competition. Martha Pleasant, 41, traveled from Franklin, New Jersey, to check an item off her husband Dwight’s bucket list. "We’re here because he loves wieners," she joked, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
What’s Next for Chestnut?
With another record-breaking performance in the books, Chestnut remains the undisputed champion of competitive eating.
As fans and rivals alike wonder how many more titles he can claim, one thing is certain: Joey Chestnut continues to redefine what it means to be the world’s greatest eater.
