Nathan’s delivered yet again as the 97th annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest drew in record crowds.
Emerging victorious were the two favorites: Joey Chestnut for the men, and Sonya Thomas for the women.
Chestnut, who inhaled 69 hotdogs in 10 minutes, broke his record of 68 hotdogs, making his seventh consecutive victory even sweeter.
“It was very dramatic this year,” said Nathan’s spokesperson George Shea, “Chestnut ate his record-breaking hotdog in the last three seconds.”
Sonya Thomas, who downed 36 and three-quarters frankfurters fell short of her personal best of 45, yet still secured her third victory in a row.
“The heat was really getting to her,” explained Shea.
In order to compete on the big day, one must first win a qualifying round, explained Shea. In total, nine women and 16 men participated in the competition.
On the Avenue: ‘Pizza Wars’ challenge sparks creativity that’s out of this world! 
On the Avenue: Merchants kick off ‘Dinner @’ series with food, fun at Georgian Cuisine