Joey Chestnut sets new Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest record
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut was no match for his competitors ​– and his own record — ​as he choked down 74 hot dogs Wednesday to set a new ​high-mustard mark at ​the ​Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Chestnut’s 11th Mustard ​Yellow ​Belt, however, was marked with controversy​ when the official tally had him at 64 dogs and buns despite his insisting afterwards that he had downed 74. A judge’s recount found ​that ​he​ had indeed ​ gobbled down more wieners than initially thought.
The television counter clocked 64 dogs and buns — while the recount found he had actually eaten 74. Judges ​apparently ​didn’t see that Chestnut was eating off two plates.
The 34-year-old competitive eater ran away with the lead early in the 10-minute contest, gobbling 20 franks and buns with less than three minutes in.
Carmen Cincotti, 25, was second after devouring 64 hot dogs. Darron Breeden, 29, came in third with 43.
“I’m swea​t​ing like a dog, so it’s not pretty, but I’m happy,” Chestnut told reporters. Asked what’s next, he quipped, “A nap.”
Last year, Chestnut set the all-time record when he downed 72 wieners.
The 215-pound Chestnut earned his third consecutive Mustard Belt Wednesday, besting 20 other competitors.
The recount was conducted by host George Shea and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, who certified the results.