Joey Chestnut gulped, chomped and powered his way to a 10th title yesterday, continuing his record-setting reign as the chowing champion at the annual Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
Shoving water-soaked buns and wriggling franks into his mouth on a hot, sunny day on the Coney Island boardwalk, he downed 72 dogs and buns in 10 minutes to beat his own record and hoist the Mustard Belt for a 10th time.
The San Jose, California, man bested up-and-comer Carmen Cincotti, of Mays Landing, New Jersey, who ate 60 franks and buns on his 24th birthday.
During the men's competition, five people were taken into custody for trying to disrupt the event. The people appeared to be attempting to unfold a black banner before police stopped them and took them away.
The demonstrators later issued a statement saying they were from a group called Direct Action Everywhere, and want Nathan's to stop holding the contest.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals members separately had been giving away free vegan hot dogs outside the event, but spokeswoman Tricia Lebkuecher said the people arrested inside weren't affiliated with PETA.