Joey Chestnut Wins Another Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

CONEY ISLAND, NY — Joey Chestnut, the longtime world's No. 1 competitive eater, won another Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest on Sunday. Chestnut ate 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win his 14th title at Coney Island, and his sixth in a row.

Competitive eater Geoff Esper, ranked No. 2 in the world, finished second. Michelle Lesco won the women's competition.

Chestnut broke his own world record in bringing home yet another mustard belt. The previous record was 75 hot dogs and buns Chestnut ate in the 2020 contest.

The San Jose, California, native made his 17th appearance in the 4th of July hot dog eating contest tradition on Sunday. He won eight in a row from 2007-2014, finished second in 2015, and has won every competition since 2016.

Lesco downed 30 ¾ dogs in 10 minutes in winning the 2021 women's competition.

Reigning women’s champ and record-holder Miki Sudo skipped this year because she’s expecting a baby in a few weeks.

This year's event was held at Maimonides Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, with special sections set up for vaccinated and unvaccinated fans. Last year's event was held indoors, with no fans present, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is encouraging to hold this event live for fans, who last year were unable to celebrate July 4 as they traditionally do," James Walker, Nathan's senior vice president of restaurants, said before Sunday's competition. "Next year, we hope to return to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues, where we have held this event for decade after decade."

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.