Top Dog: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Champ Wins 11th Title

Top Dog: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Champ Wins 11th Title

CONEY ISLAND – Joey Chestnut scarfed down a record-breaking 74 hot dogs in ten minutes at the Nathan’s Famous annual Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest yesterday, breaking his own record of 72 last year.

“I was feeling good today. I think I get out of bed because I love to eat,” Chestnut told the New York Daily News following his eleventh win. “I tried to have fun and enjoy the food.”

The 34-year-old, San Jose-based champ easily beat out his 20 competitors. The contest’s runner-up, Carmen Cincotti, chowed down 64 franks.

For the fifth year in a row Miki Sudo won the women’s competition by gobbling down 37 hot dogs. While an impressive number, she slipped from last year when she wolfed down 41.

Along with bragging rights, Chestnut and Sudo each received a $10,000 prize, a trophy, and a championship belt.