Following his victory, Chestnut expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting the electric atmosphere in Coney Island. The runner-up, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, finished with 51 hot dogs. Chestnut, who reclaimed his title in 2025 after a one-year hiatus, remains the world record holder with 76 hot dogs, a mark he established in 2021.
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo successfully defended her title, claiming the pink belt for the 12th time. Sudo consumed 38 3/4 hot dogs and buns to secure the win, comfortably ahead of second-place finisher Michelle Lesco, who ate 22. Sudo dedicated her performance to the “America 250” celebrations.
The contest, which drew thousands of spectators despite extreme heat, featured a diverse field of international and domestic competitors. Participants were officially certified at a weigh-in event held Friday at Hudson Yards in New York City. The contest remains one of the country’s most significant competitive eating traditions, with the winners receiving a $10,000 cash prize.