Chestnut, Stonie to meet in 2017 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Stonie (left) and Chestnut faced off in 2016 at the
Niko Niko's  World Gyro Eating Chontest in Houston.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography,
Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2017 TexSport Publications

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (July 2, 2017) At precisely 12 noon EDT, a Fourth of July tradition that goes back over 100 years will occur at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, New York. Hot dog, and competitive eating fans) will gather at the historic landmark for the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The competition will pit two of the greatest eaters in history, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut and Matt "Megatoad" Stonie, against each other in their quest for the coveted Mustard Belt.

Chestnut has won 10 of the past 11 contests, establishing a new world record of 70 hot dogs consumed in 2016. Stonie took the title in 2015, consuming 62 hot dogs in the 10 minute conetst. In the female division, three-time champion Miko Sudo will look to retain the pink Pepto Belt. Other contestants include Badlands Booker, winner of the Charlotte, North Carolina qualifier with 24 dogs, Erik "The Red" Denmark (St Louis, MO qualifier, 28 dogs), and Geoffrey Esper (Boston, MA qualifier, 51 dogs). Fans can view the contest on ESPN and WatchESPN at 12 noon EDT on July 4.

Stonie upsets Chestnut at 2014 World Gyro Eating Championship; Sets World Record

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By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 18, 2014) Jumping out to an early lead and holding on until the end, Matthew Stonie consumed 24 gyros to defeat No. 1 ranked Joey Chestnut and take home the title belt at the Niko Niko’s World Gyro Eating Championship at the Houston Greek Festival held at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Stonie, the number two ranked eater in the world, was second to Chestnut in 2013, consuming 20 gyros for his second place finish.

Chestnut, which goes by the nickname of “Jaws,” came into this year’s championship as the world record holder, consuming 22.25 gyros in 2013.

It was a close match from the start, with Stonie establishing his lead from the first gyro and keeping a one to two gyro lead over Chestnut throughout the 10 minute contest.

Jaws ate 21 gyros for his second place finish, slightly behind his 2013 performance.

However, when it was all said, eaten and done; the day, the match, and the world champion performance belonged to Stonie.

“Megatoad” as he is known in eating circles, was looking to improve on is 2013 finish and have a good performance in Houston and when questioned about how he felt about the win, he responded:

“It felt amazing. I’ve done this contest, I think it’s my fourth year now and all I’ve been is second or third so it felt great.”

When asked about if he had set a goal to eat a set number of gyros or to beat Chestnut, he replied:

“I was always trying to beat Joey. A world record is nice but it’s always about first place. So I felt good this morning and it turned out good.”

Placing third in the contest was Adrian Morgan with 12.5 gyros, followed by Miki Sudo with 11.5, Juan Rodriguez with 9.5 and Steve Hendry with eight.

With the win, Stonie pocketed $2,500 and Chestnut took home $1,200.

The event was hosted by Niko Niko’s Greek and American Café in Houston who invited 12 of the top eaters to compete for the title belt.

Megatoad will next compete in the Pepperoni Roll Eating World Championships at the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival.

Following that, Stonie and Chestnut will face some of the top eaters in the world at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship on July 4 in New York City.