Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest - Full Results

While millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day, thousands of onlookers gathered at Coney Island, New York to celebrate gluttony. Of course, I’m talking about the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

In all, twenty contestants competed in the event, but all eyes were on six-time consecutive champ Takeru Kobayashi and his stiffest competition, Joey Chestnut. Would Chestnut finally be able to dethrone the Japanese eating machine or would Kobayashi once again go home with the mustard-yellow sash?

THE DRAMA UNFOLDS

Prior to the event, Kobayashi had a wisdom tooth removed and was later diagnosed with arthritis of the jaw. While he sought out a chiropractor for the pain, rumors swirled that the legend might not even participate.

Kobayashi furthered the drama by stating, “Already, I can’t open my jaws more than a little bit. There’s no pain only if I open my mouth about enough for one finger. More than that is painful, and I can’t open it.”

BODOG ODDS

Going into the event, Bodog had set the odds as follows:

Odds to Win the Contest

Joey Chestnut 1/1

Takeru Kobayashi 10/13

Anyone Else 15/1

How Many Hot Dogs Will the Winner Eat?

Over 57 -125

Under 57 -105

A LEGEND IS MADE

Luckily for fans, Kobayashi did show up for the competition, and the stage was set. The competition was fast and furious, and Chestnut and Kobayashi quickly separated themselves from the pack. As time ticked away, both men munched on hot dogs like their lives depended on it. Finally, time ran out and everyone held their breath.

By eating a record 66 hot dogs, 23-year-old Joey Chestnut was crowned the new champion. According to the civil engineering student from San Jose, California, “It’s time it came back to America…on the Fourth of July.”

Kobayashi vomited after the competition ended, a sure sign of the toll the contest takes on the human digestive system. Undaunted, the Japanese former champ vowed to return strong in 2008.

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago finished in third with a total of 49 hot dogs. He dedicated his win to heiress Nicky Hilton, citing the fact that she doesn’t get as much publicity as her older sister, Paris.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest - Full Results