‘Jaws’ the champ chomps his way through 68 hot dogs for sixth title

Published on 05/07/2012 02:22

JOEY “Jaws” Chestnut yesterday won his sixth straight Coney Island Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.

Chestnut chucked down 68 hot dogs and buns to win. He took home $10,000 and a mustard-yellow champion’s belt. The total tied his personal best and the record. Last year, he won with 62 hot dogs.

Second place went to Tim Janus with 52 hot dogs. He was third last year.

“Jaws” is now tied with his former rival, Takeru Kobayashi, with six wins.

Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas downed 45 hot dogs to win the women’s competition.

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a New York tradition for 97 years.

At the weigh-in, Mayor Michael Bloomberg – who is known for his health initiatives – said moderation was the key.

“Having it occasionally is fine,” he said. “If you want to eat 65 hot dogs in ten minutes, that’s even fine. Just don’t do it more than once a year and you won’t have a problem.”