Written by Tim Daniels at Bleacher Report.com
Joey Chestnut captured his 10th Mustard Belt on Tuesday by eating an event-record 72 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win the 2017 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest during the annual Independence Day event at the corner of Surf & Stillwell in Coney Island, New York City.
It’s the second consecutive triumph for Chestnut, who’s won every Fourth of July showcase since 2007 except for the 2015 competition won by Matt Stonie. The Megatoad finished a disappointing third in this year’s battle of the friendly rivals with 48 hot dogs and buns.
Carmen Cincotti enjoyed a breakout performance to come in second with 62.
Darren Rovell of ESPN provided a look at the nutritional tally for Chestnut’s victory:
Joey Chestnut Wins, Eats 72 Hot Dogs & Buns:
Calories: 20,160
Fat: 1,296 g
Cholesterol: 2,160 mg
Sodium: 56,160 mg
Protein: 720 g— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 4, 2017
Cincotti, 24, is known as the Mutiny, a perfect nickname for the eater who remained competitive for most of the 10 minutes and was within striking distance of a shocking win. He put his potential on display by eating 53 dogs in qualifying after posting 42 in the main event last year.
The rivalry between Chestnut and Stonie has reinvigorated the contest, which lost some of its luster following the exit of Japanese standout Takeru Kobayashi due to a contract dispute in 2010. It left Jaws virtually unchallenged as he earned eight straight victories.
Stonie, who’s become an online sensation with his eating stunts on YouTube, brought some legitimate drama back to the proceedings. His two-dog victory in 2015 showed Jaws was beatable in his trademark event and made the Megatoad the future face of the sport.
Chestnut bounced back strong last year to recapture the title by eating 70 hot dogs and buns, which set the new competition record and fell just 3.5 short of his own world record from qualifying.
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