Haute Event: Hot Dog Eating Contest Goes Down at New York-New York

On Saturday New York-New York hosted the second qualifying contest on the Nathan’s Famous circuit leading to the famed hot dog eating contest held annually on July Fourth at Coney Island. One woman and one man from each qualifying event win a seat at the annual competition, now in its 97th year.

Defending champion and the No. 10 ranked male eater in the world Sean “Flash” Gordon and Juliet Lee, the No. 2 ranked female eater in the world, were named Nevada Hot Dog Eating Champions. During the 10-minute competition, Gordon of Downingtown, Pa., ate 30 hot dogs and July will mark Gordon’s fourth trip to Coney Island. Gordon has also competed in an event consuming 30 moon pies in eight minutes. Lee of Germantown, Md., took top female honors, finishing 27 hot dogs.

In a separate local heroes competition, a team from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department defended their title against Clark County Fire Department and Nellis Air Force Base by devouring 26 hot dogs and winning $1,000 for the charity of their choice.

The Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred each July 4 in Coney Island, N.Y., since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant.

Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and safety standards are upheld at each event.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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