Defending world champion wins Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest for the 14th time

BROOKLYN, New York / CNN — Defending world champion Joey Chestnut broke his own world record Sunday, devouring 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes during Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

It was the 14th time Chestnut won the event, slinging down 26 more than the second-place finisher, Geoffrey Esper, and one more than Chestnut managed last year.

On the women’s side, Michelle Lesco ranked ninth overall, picked up her first championship after consuming 30 3/4 hot dogs and buns, 6 3/4 more than runner-up Sarah Rodriguez.

The annual Fourth of July event took place in front of spectators in Coney Island.

Last year’s contest was held in a private location for media only due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Nathan’s, legend has it that the first contest of its kind was held on July 4, 1916, as four immigrants competed to show how patriotic they were by eating hot dogs at Nathan’s stand in Coney Island.

The contest has only been recorded since 1972.

The post Defending world champion wins Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest for the 14th time appeared first on NBC2 News.