Joey Chestnut secured his 18th victory at the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, devouring 66 hot dogs and buns within 10 minutes. This win reaffirms his dominance in the competition, which he first reclaimed in 2025 with 70.5 hot dogs. Chestnut holds the all-time record, set in 2021, with 76 hot dogs in the same timeframe.
Chestnut expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Eating here on the Fourth of July is a dream; it’s electric. There’s no place better on Earth.” His performance wowed a massive crowd gathered at the Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island. Despite the heat, the audience cheered as Chestnut reached 50 hot dogs, capturing the coveted Mustard Belt and a $10,000 prize.
In second place, Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago consumed 51 hot dogs.
Miki Sudo Takes Women’s Title
Miki Sudo won her 12th pink belt by eating 38.75 hot dogs and buns. Her personal best remains 51, achieved in previous years. Sudo celebrated the milestone, remarking, “I’m just glad I could celebrate America 250 in this way.” Michelle Lesco finished second, consuming 22 hot dogs.
Crowd Braves the Heat
The sweltering temperatures did not deter New Yorkers and visitors from witnessing the iconic event. A dedicated fan from California stated, “I’ve been watching this show for many, many years. We had to come out here and see Joey Jaws win his 18th title.”
Participants from Around the World
A variety of competitors joined the champions on stage, certified during the weigh-in at Hudson Yards, New York City. Participants hailed from different parts of the world.
Men’s Competitors
- 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’s Competitors
- 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.