What could be a more American thing to do on the Fourth of July than cramming an absolutely unhealthy amount of meat down one's gullet, and in the process become a world champion?
That's exactly what Matt "Megatoad" Stonie did to upset eight-time defending champion Joey Chestnut to win the 2015 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Stonie massacred 62 hot dogs and buns, edging out Chestnut's 60 on Saturday.
It is the first time in nearly 10 years that Chestnut cannot call himself the world's greatest hot dog eating machine, ending his eight-year win streak at the 99th iteration of the famous annual international competition in New York City. Third place wasn't even close, as Tim "Eater X" Janus stomached 35 hot dogs and buns.
The victory isn't without some controversy, however, as perhaps the world's most famous hot dog eating champ remains excluded from competition.
Forever the goat. Lots of lessons to be learned from this unfortunate contract dispute. #freekobi https://t.co/UphDDf7j52
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 4, 2015
Skinny Japanese hot dog eater Takeru Kobayashi, who owns the world record for eating 113 wieners (no buns) in 10 minutes, is barred from competition over a contract dispute with Major League Eating (yes, this organization exists). He currently owns the unofficial and unsanctioned record of eating 69 hot dogs and buns in July 2011.
Kobayashi wanted the freedom to partake in other eating events but MLE demanded an exclusive contract, so the Japanese eater walked away in 2010, opening the door for Joey Chestnut. Fans of the former champion can reach out to him on Twitter.
Hey, who's hungry?
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