Joey Chestnut, the reigning champ of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, broke his own world record by swallowing 76 hotdogs and buns in 10 minutes. Michelle Lesco, currently ranked ninth overall, was named the Women's Champion after eating 30 and 3/4 hotdogs and buns. Held every July 4th in Coney Island (Brooklyn, New York City), this year's men and women's events were televised on ESPN and ESPN3, respectively.
Chestnut, who won his first Nathan's Hot Dog competition in 2007, has been crowned champion 14 of the past 15 years. It's an incredible feat in the world of competitive eating, where preperation and health are the keys to victory. Including this current record-breaking performance, Joey Chestnut has broken his own Hot Dog Eating World Record 8 times.
Miki Sudo, the winner of Nathan's last seven Women's competitions, did not compete this year as she's expecting her first child later this month. Sudo, who set the women's record in 2020 when she ate 48.5 hot dogs and buns, will still attend the festivities by doing commentary for ESPN sports.
As always, it must be noted that only entrants currently under contract by MLE (Major League Eating) can compete in the contest.