On Independence Day in 2015, Nathan’s held its 99th annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Onlookers saw a huge upset when eight-year champion Joey Chestnut was beaten by Matthew Stonie. Stonie ate a personal-best of 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Chestnut at 60.
“I just had trouble,” Chestnut said after the competition, which was aired on ESPN2. “I was slow and he was eating fast.”
Stonie said he was honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition.
“It’s the Super Bowl of competitive eating,” Stonie said. “Aside from having the biggest cash prize out of all the contests throughout the year, it’s got the crowd of 40-thousand people. It’s got the history. This is the 99th year it’s holding it. It’s just an amazing contest. Everybody wants to win this contest, and everybody brings a hundred percent to it.”
Stonie got the championship belt for his big win. Chestnut said he is ready for a rematch next year.
CNN contributed to this report
