Joey “Jaws” Chestnut took home his 16th win at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. His remarkable performance was enough to earn him his title back! Chestnut, who missed last year’s competition due to a contract dispute, returned to his home turf at Coney Island in grand style. He competed against 14 challengers from across the globe including competitors from Australia, the Czech Republic, Ontario, England and Brazil.
Chestnut’s trip back to the top was overshadowed by a record setting number of hot dogs eaten throughout the competition. He did it by throwing down harder than last year’s champ, Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago. Although Bertoletti had eaten 58 hot dogs, he couldn’t hang on this year. This year, Chestnut blew away the jubilant crowd with his skill and heart. He further cemented his place among the all-time great competitive eaters!
Last year, the celebrated professional eater bowed out of the annual event. George Shea explained that a failure to come to agreement on terms of a contract caused them to make this decision. Rather than join the brigade’s training, he instead took part in an exhibition event at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas – the U.S. There, he crushed 57 hot dogs in a blistering five minutes! Looking back on that experience, Chestnut deemed it “incredible,” highlighting his love for all things competitive eating.
Back again this year to the historic landmark Coney Island venue, Chestnut said it feels great to be back at the competition. He stated, “This is a cherished tradition, a celebration of American culture, and a huge part of my life.” And his delight at the annual competition was electric as he readied himself to retake the crown he’d lost the previous year.
In the women’s division, Tampa, FL resident Miki Sudo made headlines by winning her 11th title. Shattering the previous women’s record, she inhaled 33 franks, besting a dozen men and women in the process. This amazing accomplishment made her the undisputed queen of the competitive female eating scene.
Chestnut’s win this year would go a long way toward restoring that legacy for him. More than anything, it proudly announces the enduring popularity of the Nathan’s contest, a true all-American extravaganza.
