CONEY ISLAND — He was no underdog.
Reigning champ Joey “Jaws” Chestnut once again bested longtime rival Matt Stonie and defended his Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest title in Coney Island Tuesday, cramming 72 hot dogs down his gullet and squeaking past the record he set last year.
Chestnut was a man of few words following his victory, but said he was feeling good despite the six dozen franks sitting in his tummy. Despite breaking his previous Fourth of July record, Chestnut fell short of his goal this year, which he set in the days before the competition when he pledged to scarf down 8o dogs.
On July 4th, I have a goal that begins with an 8. I know @MattStonie & @carmencincotti are making gains. so am I.. https://t.co/bb73u13gfE
— Joey Chestnut (@joeyjaws) June 28, 2017
Despite the much hyped rivalry between Chestnut and Stonie — who swiped the title in 2015 but lost it back to Chestnut last year — the second-place trophy went to relative newcomer Carmen Cincotti, who shoved 60 dogs down his throat, easily blowing past Stonie's 48 franks.
On his way off the stage, Cincotti pledged to win next year. Chestnut, informed of his new rival's threat to his reign, said he was looking forward to it.
Thousands of enthusiastic fans filled the area for the competition, and were thrilled with the spectacle, including Cat Carola, 24, of New Jersey.
"It was fantastic and a little scary! How can you eat that many hotdogs in 10 minutes?" said Cat Carola. "But hip, hip hurray for Joey!"
Not everyone was excited about the carnivorous carnival, however. For the second year in a row animal-rights activists attempted to disrupt the show by unfurling a banner and shouting their opposition to meat eating, before police tackled them and escorted them out.
Five people were arrested for the attempted disruption, but no charges had been filed as of 2:30 p.m., according to a police spokesman.
