Record-Chasing Chestnut Wins 18th Hot Dog Eating Title in Coney Island

Joey Chestnut, the undisputed king of competitive eating, once again dominated the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, securing his 18th victory on July 4th. The legendary American eater devoured 66 hot dogs and buns in just ten minutes at the iconic event held in Coney Island, New York. Thousands of spectators cheered him on during the spectacle, a tradition held annually on U.S. Independence Day.

While Chestnut's performance was enough to clinch the win, he fell short of his personal best of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021. This year's total averages nearly seven hot dogs per minute, a feat that highlights his extraordinary capacity and training.

In the women's division, defending champion Miki Sudo also claimed victory. However, she too did not reach her previous record, consuming nearly 39 hot dogs. Her 2024 record stood at 51 hot dogs, showcasing a significant difference in this year's competition.

The event, a long-standing tradition, continues to draw large crowds and media attention, celebrating a unique aspect of American culture with a blend of sport and spectacle.