Joey Chestnut returns to Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Brooklyn
(CBS, KYMA/KECY) - A tradition as American as apple pie, the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Brooklyn's Coney Island Friday.
Joey Chestnut is "top dog" once again as the world's greatest eater downed 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, capturing the mustard yellow belt for the 17th time.
"It was electric. Dogs were great, crowd was amazing. My Last two times I've eaten here, I ate 62 and 63, it was nice to get back into the 70s. Next year, yeah definitely, I can improve," Chestnut shared.
The 41-year-old was "relishing" the moment after he was banned last year due to a sponsorship deal with a vegan product, but Chestnut says he has no "beef" with Nathan's.
"I don't hold grudges, I just eat," Chestnut expressed.
Fans were happy to see Chestnut back in action.
"It feels like 'Return of the King' almost, coming back to the sport itself," said Isaac Collie, a visitor from Asheville, North Carolina.
Winners go home with more than just a full stomach as the men's and women's champ get $10,000 of prize money.
Florida's Miki Sudo ate 33 dogs to claim her 11th women's title, though she couldn't "catch up" to her own world record of 51.
"I was really hard on myself earlier when I only ate 33, but seeing the guy's numbers, I just realized it wasn't a day for personal bests," Sudo explained.
People came from all over the country to watch and say it's a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July watching Chestnut and Sudo, two champions at the top of their game.
"How else are you going to celebrate USA birthday except to watch Joey Chestnut eat hot dogs," said Olivia Parsons, a Coney Island resident.
Chestnut didn't break his world record of 76 hot dogs and buns, which he set in 2021. Sudo has never lost in her 11 appearances, but she took one year off when she was pregnant.
