The signature July 4th hot dog eating contest was far from the usual. First off, there weren’t nearly the same number of competitors because of travel restrictions. The only people in attendance were essential personnel.
All of the eaters were introduced and were wearing facemasks. They entered their spots, which were divided by barriers for safety concerns regarding the virus.
But what was the same as previous years were the winners. The favorites in the male and female contests blew out the competition.
Miki Sudo was expected to win by a large gap in the female contest, and she did just that. She ended up setting a record by eating 48.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The previous record was held by Sonya Thomas, who ate 45 back in 2013.
“I feel great,” said Sudo, who finished 32.5 hot dogs and buns ahead of the next closest eater. “I’m sure the physical effects will kick in in a little bit. I think the condensed preparation period really lit a fire under me.”
This was Sudo’s seventh title. She is second only to Joey Chestnut in victories in this competition. Sudo has put herself as the female to beat in this competition.
Another Chestnut Win
Speaking of Joey Chestnut, he did just as he normally does. He set a new record by eating 75 hot dogs and buns, breaking his old record of 74.
“It was hard,” said Chestnut, who consumed roughly 21,750 calories. “I knew I was fast in the beginning. It was like blistering speed. And the dogs were cooked really well today.
“Minute six is where I really missed the crowd, and I hit a wall, and it took me a little bit more work to get through it. This is a crazy year, and I’m happy I was able to get a record.”
The closest competitor to Chestnut was Darron Breedon, who ate 42 hot dogs and buns. It wasn’t much of a competition after a minute or so in. Fans had to turn their attention to the record rather than anyone else beating Chestnut.
Matt Stonie is the only man to beat Chestnut, and he was unable to attend the event because of travel restrictions. He seems to be the only one who can get close to the legend of Joey Jaws.
Both Chestnut and Sudo won the mustard belt to go along with $10,000.
Different Conditions
With records being set in both the men’s and women’s division, the new conditions could have helped some. They didn’t have the support from the fans that they normally have, but they were in an air-conditioned building.
Not having to be out in the heat might have pushed these eaters into record-breaking performances. If it was indoor with fans, these two might have even pushed farther.
The event went well, but it wasn’t the excitement that it usually is on Coney Island. Props to them for still putting it on, but hopefully, the fun resumes as normal next year.
