Hotdog Eating Competitor Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut Wins Fourth of July Contest Despite Rain For 16th Time

Joey Chestnut, the eating superstar known as “Jaws,” didn’t let rain stop him from winning Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. He earned first place after eating 62 hotdogs in just 10 minutes. This is his 16th title win.

The men’s contest had a total of 17 competitors, who came from all over the world to compete. The runner-up was Geoffrey Esper who ate 49 hot dogs in the 10 minutes. 

The competition was delayed for two hours, as the sudden rain came over Coney Island. 

After winning the competition, Chestnut spoke about the event. “What a roller coaster, emotionally,” he said after not giving up on the competition despite the weather.

He recalls that the rain disrupted everyone’s mindset and that, “Everybody got messed up.”

Chestnut is from Westfield, Indiana, and has been competing for Nathan’s title since 2005 and has been the reigning champ since his first win in 2015. 

His personal record is 76 hotdogs, but the weather at this year’s competition made it impossible for him to beat. 

In the women’s hot dog eating contest, Miki Sudo was able to eat 39 ½ hot dogs, taking home first place. This is her ninth Mustard Belt award. She was able to beat the runner-up, Mayoi Ebihara, who ate 33 ½ hotdogs. 

Sudo said she was disappointed in her score as she was hopeful that she would be able to beat her record, which was 46 hotdogs. She claims that Ebihara threw her off her game, “The first couple minutes, I found myself watching her, which I never want to do. I never want to be distracted by the other competitors.”