Today is Fourth of July aka Independence Day. We kicked off the day in true American style by attending the annual event: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island. This tradition began in 1916 when 4 immigrants had a hot dog eating competition to see who was the most patriotic. Today there are over 30,000 spectators and broadcasted live on ESPN with over 1.5 million viewers. This year’s contest was particular heated as it was supposed to be six-time champion Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi’s come back against two-time defending champion Joey Chestnut. To the crowd’s dismay, Kobayashi lost to Joey Chestnut by 3.5 hot dogs. To you and me that is a fair few hot dogs – not when Joey Chestnut ate 68 hot dogs in 10 mins. A world record. This is what they call Major League Eating at its best. Ahh only in America, you gotta love it.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest - The countdown.
Patriot
Weirdo.
The contestants hoarded by fans as they come off the bus.
The contestants hoarded by fans as they come off the bus.
Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas breaks her own female record with 41 hot dogs.
Tim “Eater X” Janus. 3rd Place.
The multi-talented Eric “Badlands” Booker who raps when he's not eating hot dogs.
The police entourage - cos you never know who's out to get these guys.
Joey Chestnut - three times defending champion. Has his own police escot.
Fans entourage.
Hot dog fanatical patriots.
Guy jumping on trampoline with Skies was part of the day's entertainment.
The judges swear in.
Coney Island Strongman gets hammered on top of a bed of nails and gets a crowbar bend around his neck by his sons.
Badlands performs before eating his guts out.
The giant hot dog and midget mr. sam. Why not!
Barracking Fans from the roof.
Tim “Eater X” Janus.
Six-time champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi.
Three -time defending champion Joey Chestnut
The contestants prepare themselves....
And it begins. 13 hot dogs in a matter of seconds. Geezuz!
36 hot dogs....
1m 16s to go. 61 vs 59 hot dogs. Its tight. Tension is think, crowd is in an uproar.
Joey Chestnut wins again. 68 Hot Dogs in 10 mins. A world record.
