Breaking Records In Coney Island One Hot Dog At A Time

by MELLISSA SEECHARAN · July 6, 2009

    Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi [Nathan's champ Joey Chestnut and contender Takeru Kobayashi pose with the food that made them household names. Photos by Getty. Additional photos courtesy of DEADSPIN] Roger Federer wasn't the only person breaking records this weekend. On Saturday, good 'ol Joey Chestnut kept the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating belt on American soil by inhaling a record 68 hot dogs in only 10 minutes! His only competition, Takeru Kobayashi devoured 64 franks. A day before the contest, Chestnut and Kobayashi weighed-in at Macy's in NYC where Mayor Michael Bloomberg stopped by for a first-hand look. "July 4 isn't a holiday for these men," the mayor quipped. "It's going to be a day of reckoning."

    Joey Chestnut Joey Chestnut devours a hot dog.

    Nathan's Hotdog The competition, or lack thereof.

    Michael Bloomberg Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the Nathan's weigh-in.

    Joey Chestnut Joey Chestnut weighs in.

    Takeru Kobayashi Takeru Kobayashi tries to get a head start.

    Joey Chestnut Victory for Joey Chestnut!