July 04, 2006

Kobayashi wins: record 53 3/4 hot dogs in 12 minutes

Takeru Kobayashi devoured 53 and three-quarters Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs in 12 minutes today, setting a new world record and narrowly beating Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif. who held the lead for part of the extreme eating competition.

It was the sixth consecutive win at Nathan's for Kobayashi. He set the previous record, 53 and a half, at Nathan's on July 4, 2004.

Thousands of people showed up to watch the competition at Coney Island despite the heat, humidity and threat of thunderstorms. Set up on a platform next to the 90-year-old Nathan's restaurant near the boardwalk, the competitors shoved in more food than most people need to eat in a few days.

The 22-year-old Chustnut emerged as a contender after downing 47 cheese sandwiches in 10 minutes in June and 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes in May. In today's competition, he ate 52 hot dogs and buns.

Third place went to dainty (only 105 pounds,) Sonya Thomas, of Alexandria, Va., who ate 37.

Chestnut had been the great hope of American fans hoping to bring the Mustard Belt back to the USA on the Fourth of July. "I'm still pretty young, I'll definitley be back next year," Chestnut told ESPN, which televised the competition.

ESPN interviewed Kobayashi through a translator just after the competion, asking when he planned on eating his next hot dog. Patting his belly as he listened to the question, he answered: "Right now."

Earlier: Fourth of July: fireworks, extreme hot dogs, cruises
Schnack to host 30-inch hot dog eating competition

July 4, 2006 12:52 PM in Foodology, Out of Manhattan, Sightsology, Sports

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