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.