Competitive eating’s biggest names added to their legacies Saturday as Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo won the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest during Independence Day festivities at Coney Island.

Chestnut claimed his record 18th Mustard Yellow Belt by consuming 66 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute men’s championship. The victory earned the 41-year-old a $10,000 prize and marked his second consecutive title after returning to the competition last year following a one-year absence related to a sponsorship dispute.

Although well short of his world-record total of 76 hot dogs and buns set in 2021, Chestnut finished comfortably ahead of defending 2025 champion Patrick Bertoletti, who placed second after eating 51 hot dogs and buns.

Temperatures reached about 90 degrees when the men’s contest began, with the extreme heat presenting an added challenge for competitors.

On the women’s side, Sudo won her 12th championship by consuming 38.75 hot dogs and buns. The Florida resident improved on her 2025 winning total but fell short of her record of 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024.

The 2026 competition drew additional attention as part of nationwide celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday. The annual contest remains one of the most recognizable Independence Day traditions, attracting thousands of spectators to Coney Island and millions of television viewers.

Sudo’s husband, Nick Wehry, also competed in the men’s division, finishing with 45.5 hot dogs and buns.

Chestnut has now won 18 championships in 21 appearances at the Nathan’s contest, reinforcing his status as the sport’s most accomplished competitor. Sudo’s latest victory further extends her dominance in the women’s division, where she has captured 12 championship belts.

Source: NY Post