The history of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the history of America. First won by an Irish immigrant in 1913, the contest became an American tradition — until the Japanese began a decade-long domination of the event. Here are the highlights in from nearly 100 years of gut-busting competition.
1913
James Mullin
13 hot dogs and buns
The inaugural contest was held after two immigrants sought to prove which was “more American” by eating the ultimate American food.
1991
Frank Dellarosa
21 HDBs*
“Twenty-one in ’91” became a summer catchphrase.
1995
Ed “The Maspeth Monster” Krachie
19-1/2 HDBs
Krachie begins his two-year reign.
1997
Hirofumi “The Tokyo Terror” Nakajima
24-1/2 HDBs*
The beginning of the “Rising Sun” era.
2001
Takeru “The Tsnumai” Kobayashi
50 HDBs*
Doubled the existing record, beginning a six-year reign.
2007
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut
66 HDBs*
The belt returns to America, where it remains.
2008
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut
59 HDBs#
After tying in regulation, Chestnut beats Kobayshi in a five-minute runoff.
2010
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut
54 HDBs#
Chestnut wins for fourth straight time — but Kobayashi did not compete (and was, in fact, arrested for trespassing).
* Set new world record.
# Contest now at 10 minutes
