Chestnut downs a record 74 franks for 11th title

Judging errors cast widespread confusion over Joey "Jaws" Chestnut’s record-setting 11th title at the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
  
Chestnut took home the Mustard Belt after downing 74 franks and buns in 10 minutes – two more than he did last year. Second-place finisher Carmen Cincotti ate 64.
  
But longtime announcer George Shea tells The Associated Press he noticed in real time that jurists measuring Chestnut’s and Cincotti’s intake weren’t counting from two plates stacked with franks that the eaters were drawing from. The under-counted tally was then displayed on live TV.
  
Shea says both Chestnut and Cincotti were adamant about their scores, which were certified by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
  
He says new judges will be used next year.
  
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1 p.m.
  
Defending champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut chomped down a record 74 franks and buns to take home his 11th title at the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
  
The renowned competitive eater from San Jose, California, takes home the coveted Mustard Belt and surpassed the previous mark of 72 dogs and buns he downed last year.
  
The heat wasn’t a factor; the National Weather Service put the temperature at 83 degrees with a heat index of 91 degrees.
  
Miki Sudo said after eating 37 dogs and buns that the heat may have slowed her down in winning the women’s competition.
  
That didn’t stop the Las Vegas eater from easily beating out second-place finisher Mischelle Lesco of Tuscon, Arizona, who chowed down 28 wieners and buns.
  
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11 a.m.
  
Miki Sudo downed 37 franks to win her fifth straight title in the women’s competition of the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
  
The Las Vegas competitor fell short of the 41 hot dogs she consumed last year but still beat out second-place finisher Michelle Lesco, of Tucson, Arizona. Lesco chowed down 28 wieners and buns.
  
Thousands of attendees braved 83-degree temperatures and a heat index of 91 degrees to witness the annual July Fourth competition on the Coney Island boardwalk.
  
Ten-time winner Joey "Jaws" Chestnut will confront 20 other men during the men’s competition later Wednesday for the coveted Mustard Belt.
  
Sudo was a fan favorite, drawing big cheers from the crowd during her performance, which was slightly delayed after she requested new water to soak her buns.
  
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12:05 a.m.
  
It’s frankly amazing.
  
Chowdown champions will face off Wednesday at Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, where the men’s record stands at 72 frankfurters and buns in 10 minutes.
  
Ten-time winner Joey "Jaws" Chestnut will confront 20 other men on New York’s Coney Island boardwalk. He set the record last year.
  
Miki Sudo is seeking a fifth women’s title in a row. The 19-woman field includes record-holder Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas.
  
Sudo downed 41 franks and buns last year. Thomas’ record is 45, but she managed 30 last year.
  
The event attracts thousands of in-person spectators and is televised on ESPN.
  
Last year, animal rights activists tried to unfold a banner amid the crowd. Five protesters were taken into custody for questioning and released.