Joey Chestnut successfully defended his title, emerging victorious in the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held on the Fourth of July. He consumed an impressive 66 hot dogs and buns within a ten-minute span to claim the revered Mustard Belt, marking his 18th win. Chestnut regained the belt in 2025 after not competing in 2024, finishing that year with 70.5 hot dogs and buns. His all-time record stands at 76 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes, set in 2021.
Chestnut remarked on the excitement of the event, saying, “Eating here on the Fourth of July is a dream; it’s electric. There’s no place better on Earth.” The competition draws both competitors and spectators to the Nathan’s Famous restaurant at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The event attracted a huge crowd despite the intense heat, with fans loudly supporting Chestnut as he reached 50 hot dogs. Contestants participate for a $10,000 cash prize and the iconic belt.
The contest also featured Miki Sudo, who claimed the pink belt in the women’s division for the 12th time, eating 38 3/4 hot dogs and buns. In 2025, she won by consuming 33 hot dogs and buns. Her personal best is 51. “I’m just glad I could celebrate America 250 in this way,” Sudo stated. Michelle Lesco, the 2021 winner, secured second place with 22 hot dogs and buns.
Despite sweltering conditions, many attendees, including a man from California, traveled to witness the event in New York City. He expressed his admiration, saying, “I’ve been watching this show for many years. We had to come out here and see Joey Jaws win his 18th title.”
Men’s Competitors Included:
- Joey Chestnut from Indianapolis, Indiana
- Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago, Illinois
- James Webb from Sydney, Australia
- Nick Wehry from Tampa, Florida
- Max Stanford from London, England
- Gideon Oji from Stockbridge, Georgia
- Derek Hendrickson from Las Vegas, Nevada
- Radim Dvoracek from Ostrava, Czech Republic
- George Chiger from Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania
- Cameron Meade from Valparaiso, Indiana
- Tanner Gray from Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Jerome Burns from Danbury, Connecticut
- Crazy Legs Conti from New York, New York
- Ynho Choi from Seoul, South Korea
Women’s Competitors Included:
- Miki Sudo from Tampa, Florida
- Domenica Dee from Seattle, Washington
- Tandra Childress from San Francisco, California
- Katie Prettyman from Marysville, Washington
- Rene Rovtar from Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Cherish Brown from Eden, Ohio
- Camille O’Brien from Jeffersonville, New York
- Semora Kludy from Charlotte, Michigan
- Lainey Eaton from San Diego, California
- Michelle Lesco from Tucson, Arizona
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