Joey Chestnut Wins 2022 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest By Finishing 63 Franks

Joey Chestnut earned his 15th win on Monday at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, eating about 63 hot dogs in ten minutes at the annual Independence Day event.

Chestnut, who also goes by “Jaws,” made his entrance into the contest on crutches, due to a ruptured tendon injury; but it didn’t stop him from participating in the contest. Despite having a fall back from his own record of 76 dogs eaten last year, Chestnut was able to claim the Mustard Belt, beating second-place finisher Geoffrey Esper, who ate 47 and a half hot dogs.

“Most athletes have two kinds of primes. Their first prime is the when their body is the best. I’ve passed that prime. The second prime is when their mind and knowledge is at its best, where you know your body and how to practice less but be just as prepared. I’m there now,” Chestnut told USA TODAY Sports prior to the competition .

While in the women’s division, Miki Sudo reclaimed her title after taking a year off due to her pregnancy. Though she was posing an injury, on the wrist, she was able to eat 40 hot dogs, which was close to her own personal best of 48 and an half franks.

This was the first time after two years of being moved from its original location due to Covid-19, that the contest finally returned to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues at Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island.

In the past Chesnut’s main rival has been Takeru Kobayashi. who told uSports he “doesn’t like” Chesnut.