Fourth of July eating contest in New York: 66 hot dogs in 10 minutes

Hot dog eating contest in New York

We’re talking about a “battle of centuries”

Traditionally, a hot dog eating contest takes place in New York on July 4th, the US national holiday. It’s a competition that couldn’t be more American.

David Schafbuch reports from New York

In the end, it’s an average performance that earns Joey Chestnut the title. He himself sees “room for improvement.” The 42-year-old said after his victory in the traditional hot dog eating competition in Coney that he had the feeling that there was still a lot of room in his stomach Iceland – a neighborhood at the southern tip of new York. Nevertheless, it is a dream on July 4th, the 250th birthday of the USAto be able to defend his title here in New York.

Shortly before, the professional competitive eater Chestnut stuffed himself with sausages and bread with both hands for ten minutes in the blazing midday sun of New York. In the end there are 66 hot dogs – ten fewer than his own world record.

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Every year on July 4th, tens of thousands of people come to Coney Island to watch what is probably the most famous eating contest in the world. Millions more are expected to watch on their televisions: several local television stations are setting up their cameras. The sports channel ESPN broadcasts live.

There is no deeper meaning why this eating contest takes place every year on July 4th – and yet it fits in perfectly with the US national holiday. Because the hot dog competition combines so much of what defines the country: Americans’ love of competition, a national dish and their ability to make any event a big event – no matter how absurd.

A total of 15 candidates have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible. Anyone who vomits will be disqualified. The winner receives $10,000 in prize money and a belt, just like the world boxing champions: mustard yellow for men, pink for women. The women’s winner, Miki Sudo, will take the title on the day with almost 39 hot dogs.

Joey Chestnut is what in this world Michael Jordan for basketball: He is probably the best competitive eater there has ever been. This time he wins the competition clearly and for the 18th time. In the past, the 42-year-old has eaten 141 hard-boiled eggs in 8 minutes, 5.9 kilograms of boiled potatoes in 10 minutes or 182 chicken wings in 30 minutes – all world records. In total, he currently holds 55 records in long-term eating.