The World's Top Eater

 Competitive eater Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut ate 54 hot dogs in 10 minutes on Sunday to win the annual Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest – his fourth year in a row of winning the Mustard Belt.  He was disappointed with his showing, and cited dehydration as a factor in his poor showing.  Last year the 26-year-old gobbled 68 dogs and was shooting to break his record by downing 70 this year.

Chestnut’s biggest competitor, 32-year-old Takeru ‘Tsunami’ Kobayashi , was led away in handcuffs and arrested after the event.  Police charged him with resisting arrest, trespass and obstructing governmental administration after he charged onto the stage and had to be tackled by officers at the Coney Island 4th of July event.

Kobayashi, the six-time champion from 2001-2006, did not compete this year because he refused to sign a contract with Major League Eating.  He said he wanted to be free to compete in contests sanctioned by other groups.  His last win in the Nathan’s event was in 2006.

‘Jaws’ trains by fasting and by stretching his stomach with milk, water, and protein supplements.  His competitive weight varies from 210-225 lbs.

Chestnut holds multiple world records.  They include the consumption of 103 burgers at Krystal Square Off in Chattanooga, TN on October 28, 2007.  He downed 241 wings at Wing Bowl XVI in Philadelphia on February 1, 2009.  He inhaled 8.6 pounds of tempura-fried asparagus in Stockton, CA on April 26, 2008.  He devoured 6 pounds of spicy Italian meatballs in 10 minutes – 50 in all, in Las Vegas on November 8, 2009.

He consumed 4.5 pounds of steak, plus sides in 8 minutes, 52 seconds at Big Texan Steak Ranch on March 24, 2008.  He finished off 9.8 pounds of pork rib meat in 12 minutes in Sparks, Nevada on August 27, 2008.  On February 21, 2009 he made quick work of 10-1/2 pounds of macaroni and cheese in seven minutes during half time at the San Jose Stealth lacrosse game.