By
/ CBS New York
Joey Chestnut defended his title and relished a victory as the winner of the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday.
Chestnut dominated the competition, eating a whopping 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win the coveted Mustard Belt.
He captured his 18th win this year. Chestnut reclaimed the Mustard Belt in 2025 after being absent from the competition in 2024. He ate 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2025.
He holds the all-time record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, which he set in 2021.
"Eating here on the Fourth of July is a dream; it's electric. There's no place better on Earth," he said.
Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago took the No. 2 spot with 51 dogs.
The American tradition was held at the Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn. A huge crowd showed up despite the sweltering heat. They were heard chanting Chestnut's name when he hit 50 dogs.
The participants brought their appetites to compete for the $10,000 cash prize and belt.
Miki Sudo wins women's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Miki Sudo won the pink belt for the 12th time. She ate 38 3/4 hot dogs and buns. Her record is 51.
In 2025, she ate 33 hot dogs and buns to win the contest.
"I'm just glad I could celebrate America 250 in this way," she said.
Michelle Lesco, the 2021 winner, came in second place, eating 22 hot dogs and buns.
Thousands watch in the extreme heat
Even scorching temperatures couldn't keep New Yorkers from celebrating one of the country's biggest traditions.
One man from California traveled all the way to the Big Apple for the event.
"I've been watching this show for many, many years," he said. "We had to come out here and see Joey Jaws win his 18th title."
Who else competed?
Other than the reigning champions, a host of international competitors and other Americans participated.
They were certified at the weigh-in Friday at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Men
- 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
- 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
Jennifer Bisram contributed to this report.
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Competitors weigh in for 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Competitors weigh in for 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
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