Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Comp 2011: Chestnut Victorious

July 4th, 2011! 235 years of American history has all lead to this moment. Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Competition.

The greatest eaters in the world have gathered to test their mettle against the mighty hot dog. Four-time champion Joey Chestnut returns to defend his title, but his competitors are hungry for their chance at the coveted Mustard Belt.

There's a change in the air. A subtle stir. Something electric moves through the crowd. As mobs shout for their favorite heroic eater, flags pierce the sky in joyous celebration. It's time to eat!

This is the moment that separates the men from the boys, the carnivores from the vegetarians.

Chestnut pauses, contemplating the hot dogs before him - and then it begins! But who's that to Chestnut's left? Does the champion face a new challenge in number-two man, Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti?

Chestnut and Bertoletti are neck and neck. This is no longer a competition of eating, but a test of will. Who will win?

But it's a hot-dog-eat-hot-dog world out there, and there can be only one champion. When the dust and hot dog bits settle, Chestnut emerges victorious, 62 hot dogs fall.

[Bad Lands Brooker, Competitive Eater]:
What can I say about Joey George Chestnut? He's just awesome. He was the one to push Kobayashi, which we thought was unbeatable, and bring it home to America and you know to sustain it, and we're all just trying to catch up to be like Joey.

[Frank, Audience Member]:
"He represents the USA. He took it from Kobayashi in '07. Kobayashi has been winning from 2001-2006. He brought it back here to the US."

Kobayashi has been banned from Nathan's competition, so he held his own match on the rooftop of a Manhattan bar during the contest, where he ate 69 hotdogs.

But not everyone was impressed.

[George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating]:
"What Kobayashi did today was an exercise in self-aggrandizement, and it was a farce. He put a tin crown on his head and now calls himself king. You know what I mean, that's delusionment."

[Joey Chestnut, Hot Dog Eating Champion]:
"He did a little thing on his own. It's no different from when I do a practice on my own and I'm able to break a record in my house."

[George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating]:
"The world champion is crowned in Coney Island, always has been and always will be."

Also crowned in Coney Island this year: the first champion of the new women's category.

Sonya "Black Widow" Thomas, who enjoyed the sweet taste of victory ate a Women's world record - 40 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.


Once again Jey Chestnut proves you are what you eat, and he is a wiener! Sorry I misspoke, winner!


This is Chris Chappell NTD News, New York.