There are fewer things more American than shoving your face as full as possible, which is why the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place every year on the 4th of July. This year's extravaganza was no different as San Jose native Joey Chestnut took care of business once more to claim his sixth hot dog eating title at Coney Island.
Over the course of the 10 minute competition, Chestnut managed to devour 68 hot dogs with the bun to stake his claim atop the proverbial processed meat mountain, tying his personal best along the way. His sixth title now leaves him tied with fellow competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi for the most Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest titles ever in the history of competitive eating. Kobayashi did not take part in the competition this year.
To the winner goes the spoils, which include a championship belt and a $10,000 grand prize for the man known as "Jaws." Chestnut was glad he took the title, but felt he could have eaten a bit more:
"It feels great to get the win, but I'm a little bummed I didn't get to 70," Chestnut said.
This marked the 97th consecutive year the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest took place on the 4th of July. Let's hope it continues for another 97 years.
