Can anyone beat Joey “Jaws” Chestnut?
The six-time champion of Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog-Eating Contest will look to defend his title and set a record of seven straight championships at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. He will also attempt to break his record of 68 frankfurters, which he set in 2009, and tied last year.
Out of the many men and women competing to become the new hot dog eating champion, only one — Matt “Mega Toad” Stonie — seems to have the resume to challenge Chestnut. Stonie will compete this week in the Boston Nathan’s qualifier for a chance to face Chestnut for the first time since 2011, when he was blasted 62–34.
On the women’s side, Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas is looking for her third-straight title and to break her record of 45 dogs.
Festivities will begin at 9:30 am with a musical premiere that is promised to be “emotional and heart wrenching,” according to Nathan’s Famous press contact George Shea, and followed by a “death-defying” magic act.
The women’s contest will begin at 11:30 am and the men’s at 12:30 pm. Contestants will eat as many hot dogs as they can in a 10 minute time span. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN2. Admission is free and open to all.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan’s Famous Restaurant (1310 Surf Ave., corner of Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island) on July 4 at 11:30 am.
