Joey Chestnut Eats 66 hot dogs to claim his 18th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship

Joey Chestnut continued his unprecedented dominance in the world of competitive eating this past weekend. The reigning champion secured his 18th career title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Crowds gathered at the flagship restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, to witness the annual holiday tradition. Chestnut entered the 2026 event as the heavy favorite to win the men’s division crown once again.

The competition lasted ten minutes, during which Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs and buns to beat the field. While the total number secured him the championship, it fell short of his personal best and the world record. He set the current men’s world record in 2021 by consuming 76 hot dogs. Despite the lower total, Chestnut remained confident in his performance and his ability to maintain his status.

In a post-match interview, the champion reflected on his performance and his physical state during the ten-minute sprint. He told reporters that he realized early in the match that he would not set a new world record. However, he remained certain of his victory throughout the contest. “I’ve got so much room left,” he remarked after finishing his 66th hot dog and bun.

Atmospheric conditions played a significant role in the pace of the competition this year. A heat wave impacted the outdoor event, and Chestnut admitted the high temperatures affected his speed. He acknowledged that the weather slowed him down but refused to use it as a formal excuse for his total. Chestnut noted that there is still room for improvement in his future competitive appearances.

Before the contest officially began, Chestnut appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss his physical preparation. He described himself as feeling good and hungry as he readied his body for the intense caloric intake. To prepare for the event, he completed a cleanse and engaged in a specific fasting routine. He described his physical state before the opening bell as “empty and loose.”

The 2026 event also saw another historic milestone in the women’s division of the competition. Miki Sudo secured her 12th victory by consuming 38.75 hot dogs and buns. This win marked a record-breaking achievement for her in the annual New York City contest. Both champions solidified their positions at the top of the sport during this iconic summer celebration.

Source: https://abcnews.com/amp/US/joey-chestnut-feeling-good-ahead-hot-dog-eating/story?id=134472186