Chestnut’s gastric feat at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island marked a return to form for the 32-year-old Californian, who saw his eight-year winning streak broken by challenger Matt “Megatoad” Stonie in 2015. Chestnut lost his title a year ago after previously winning eight titles in a row.
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Both men are from San Jose, California.
Chestnut won the Hot Dog Eating Contest eight straight times between 2007 and 2014, before Stonie ended his reign of terror previous year.
At the Nathan’s 2016 Hot Dot Eating Contest, Joey ate a record of 70 hot dogs.
As he held the mustard-colored belt after his victory on Monday afternoon, Chestnut said Stonie had “woke up the sleeping giant” when he upset him a year ago. “This year was the best ever”.
Thomas followed in second place with 35 hot dogs eating in 10 minutes. Joey set the last record in 2013 when he ate a total of 69 hot dogs.
Sadly, the New Jersey Governor did not make a surprise appearance today at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
It remained on a small scale until the 1980s, when competitive eaters from Japan began joining the contest, growing it quickly into a full-fledged competition with weigh-ins and elaborate introductions similar to those of a heavyweight championship fight.
What’s the Fourth of July without a hot dog-eating contest?
Joey Chestnut and Matt Stonie, at Friday’s weigh-in. “Great weather”, Chestnut said after his win.
Stonie said there were “no excuses” for his loss.
The men’s contest kicks off around 12:40 p.m.
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The colorful holiday tradition drew its share of characters, as many in the crowd wore foam hats shaped like hot dogs.
