Joey Chestnut Defends Hot Dog Eating Crown

Even with the contest shortened from 12 minutes to 10 minutes, Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi BOTH still managed to put down 59 hot dogs. Which lead to a 5 hot dog “dog-off.” In the end, the title (barely) stays in America’s hands.

Tim “Eater X” Janus finished a distant 3rd with 42 hot dogs, and Pat Bertoletti failed to challenge the leaders, putting back only 38 dogs. I have written before about how at the end of 2007, Pat Bertoletti was on the verge of claiming the #1 competitive eater ranking, having beaten Chestnut at grits, waffles, chicken wings and turkey. So is it that Chestnut and Kobayashi are just hot dog specialists? Or have Bertoletti’s skills regressed and he is sinking back towards the pack?

For those of you who missed the contest, below is video of the last two minutes of “regulation”, as well the 5-dog “dog off.”

Video via Serious Eats.