Independence Day in the United States of America is a joyous occasion for Yankees everywhere, as the country erupts to commemorate breaking free from the shackles of the British Empire almost a quarter of a millennia ago.
The rest of the world, however, does not have many opportunities to share in the rapture on many occasions.
However it has now all changed this July 4th, as we can all enjoy witnessing a feat of mankind unlikely to surpassed easily or anytime soon.
A hot-dog eating contest in the Empire State was the setting for a record-breaking munch-down on 74 bangers, bun and all, at a carnival on Coney Island
Joey Chestnut, appropriately monikered ‘Jaws’, managed to break his own record when he guzzled down two more dogs than he managed last year, in the set 10 minutes of competition.
Leaving his fellow competitors in his wake, Chestnut applied his tried-and-tested tactic of utilising water at his disposal to make the them easier to swallow.
Separating the sausage from the bread paid dividends, but it was on the dough which was obviously proving the most difficult, with Chestnut showing visual signs of relief at the final clanger.
On a scorching New York City day when temperatures scored to a stunning 33°C, the fact that Chestnut didn’t only win but managed to beat his own record, is insanely impressive.
In second place, trailing, was Carmen Cincotti who managed 64, with Darron Breedon providing a huge upset by knocking last year’s runner-up and former winner Matt ‘Megatoad’ Stonie out of the bronze position.
Chestnut is a competitive eater hailing from Kentucky and has won the annual tournament an astonishing 11-times, and 2018 becomes his third straight year as victor. and picks up the Mustard Belt again.
Controversy arose swiftly with a discrepancy between the adjudicators and our champion, who contested the true number of weiners he had consumed.
The competition has been held annually since for over a century.
You can watch the video Joey ‘Jaws’ Chestnut feasting on the frankfurters furiously below.
