The unstoppable Joey “Jaws” Chestnut won his 10th title in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 11 years on Tuesday in Coney Island, New York. The 33-year old gobbled down a record 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win his 10th contest in 11 years, increasing his total by two hot dogs over 2016 and obtaining a new personal best.
Joey says he gained roughly 23 pounds during the competition–15 pounds of hot dog, 8 pounds of water–and claims he won’t return to his normal weight for at least a couple more days. He handily defeated Carmen Cincotti (60 HDBs) and Matt Stonie (48 HDBs).
The average American eats 70 hot dogs a year, according to the Hot Dog & Sausage Council.
Joey Chestnut just ate 72 in 10 minutes.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 4, 2017
“There’s no secret. I love to eat, and I love doing it. I love to win, so I had to figure out my body and push it to the limit,” he said, according to AP.
Chestnut said at Monday’s pre-contest weigh-in models his training after marathoners, gradually building up to eating more and more dogs as the contest nears: “I treat it like a sport. I tape my practices and figure out how to improve.”
Chestnut deserves every penny of that $10,000 payout that comes with 1st place when you consider the immense damage the Californian did on his body:
Joey Chestnut Wins, Eats 72 Hot Dogs & Buns:
Calories: 20,160
Fat: 1,296 g
Cholesterol: 2,160 mg
Sodium: 56,160 mg
Protein: 720 g— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 4, 2017
Following his win, Chestnut told TMZ Sports he’s not 100% sure he’ll return to competition next year after winning his 10th mustard yellow belt. “If I come back, I’m gonna come back healthier,” Chestnut says.
G.O.A.T.
[h/t TMZ Sports]