As Joey Chestnut won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest for the 16th time in a row on Tuesday, his popularity increased even more. Chestnut defeated the opposition to win his 16th championship in this illustrious sport by downing 62 hot dogs in the allotted 10 minutes.

As a thunderstorm passed across Brooklyn’s Coney Island, the competition was first postponed and then momentarily called off. The event even needed to be canceled at a point as claimed by contest presenter George Shea, according to the New York City Police Department.

Also Read: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest: All you need to know

Eventually, the men’s competition was restarted, and Chestnut got to work, devouring 62 hot dogs to win an easy victory. Unfortunately, he fell short of breaking his own world record of 76 hot dogs consumed in a 10-minute period. On the other hand, women’s champion Miki Sudo currently maintains the female record with 48.5.

For more than 50 years, the annual hot dog eating competition has been held at Coney Island, a neighborhood near Brooklyn, New York. Since 1997, the Major League Eating (MLE) organization has hosted what is regarded as one of the top eating competitions in America.

Also Read: Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest: Who has eaten the most hot dogs?

Many former champions and special invitees from around the world competed this year, while others were able to qualify in preliminary competitions.

The prize money is $10,000 for the winner, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third. A huge, bejeweled wrestling-style belt is also awarded to the men’s and women’s winners.
The competition was held behind closed doors in 2020 owing to the pandemic. The yearly event has become a staple of the competitive eating scene every year.

Also Read: When and where to watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2022?

People on social media are cheered by Chestnut with one Twitter user saying, “Joey Chestnut should run for President after today. Easy victory. Electoral landslide,” while another user stated, “I’d put Joey Chestnut up vs the Taliban, ISIS, PUTIN, North Korea, Kyrie. Every year he raises the bar on what it means to be American. The true Captain America.”