US | hot dogs Chestnut Top Dog Once Again Former champion reclaims top spot from Kobayashi By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jul 4, 2008 1:26 PM CDT Copied Takeru Kobayashi, left, and Joey Chestnut, right, eat hot dogs near the end of Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition in New York, Wednesday, July 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) American Joey Chestnut today reclaimed the top spot as winner of the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island. After tying archrival Takeru Kobayashi of Japan in a 10-minute chow-down, the Californian triumphed in a five-dog eat-off. The men defeated 19 others in tying at 59 frankfurters in regulation before going to the tiebreaker. Kobayashi had hoped to reclaim the throne after suffering a disappointing loss last year. He had reigned for 6 years before that. "He wanted it, but I needed it," Chestnut said after his victory, watched by thousands. "If I put one more mouthful in, I could've won (in regulation)," Kobayashi said through a translator. Read These Next "Admiral Piett" of the Star Wars universe died from COVID. Trump voter who supported mass deportations could be deported herself. What makes a person cool? These six traits. This is the most 'American' car on the road. Report an error