Joey Chestnut Extends Unbeaten Run to 18 Titles in Sweltering Coney Island Heat

Joey Chestnut won his 18th Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest title on July 4, consuming 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at Coney Island, according to Deadline. Miki Sudo also retained her women's division title by eating 38 3/4 hot dogs, Bleeding Cool reported. The event was broadcast live on ESPN.

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Bleeding CoolJoey Chestnut and Miki Sudo Retain Titles at 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating ContestDeadlineJoey Chestnut Wins 18th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Title at Coney Island

The conditions were punishing, with The Independent noting that Chestnut competed in 100-degree heat. Bleeding Cool described the setting as hot and humid, adding to the challenge for the competitors. Despite the weather, Chestnut secured a victory that extended a remarkable streak.

The IndependentJoey Chestnut wins Nathan’s hot dog eating contest by stomaching 66 franks in 100-degree heat

"the greatest eater in the annals of eating, in the annals of humankind, and food"

Yahoo News New ZealandJoey Chestnut Stuffs Face For 18th Coney Island Hot Dog Contest Victory; Miki Sudo Tops Among Women

Yahoo News New Zealand reported that ESPN's Jeremy Schaap bestowed that description on Chestnut, whose dominance has become a fixture of the holiday. The 42-year-old remains unbeaten in the contest since 2015, according to The Independent.

Chestnut's 66 hot dogs fell 10 short of his personal record of 76, set in 2021, Deadline reported. Pat Bertoletti finished as runner-up, Fox News noted. The annual event, which Fox News called "the Fourth of July event," drew thousands of spectators to the Coney Island boardwalk.

Fox NewsLegendary Joey Chestnut wins 18th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest by downing 66 wieners and buns