The first contest was held in Coney Island on Independence Day in 1972.(Photo: AP)
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut, center, celebrates with Master of ceremonies George Shea, right, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, after winning the men's competition of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the final seconds of the competition, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. In 2017 winner Joey Chestnut set a Coney Island record eating 72 hot dogs.(Photo: AP)
Hot dog hats are distributed to the fans as the enter the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. Competitive get ready for the event by stretching out their stomachs by drinking gallons of milk or water as fast as they can. (Photo: AP)
The trophies and champion belts are on display on stage ahead of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. Chestnut is now the most decorated hot dog eater in the sport. (Photo: AP)
Brad Kleinschmidtof Muncie, Ind., wears a patriotic outfit to watch his wife Holly Titus compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. Close to 40,000 fans attend the exciting event every year. (Photo: AP)
Reigning champion Midi Sudo eats hot dogs during the women's competition of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. She chomped down 37 hot dogs and buns. (Photo: AP)
Master of Ceremony George Shea, top center, announces that reigning champion Joey Chestnut, bottom center, is winning the men's competition of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in the final seconds of the competition, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. Chestnut broke his own world record by eating 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes. (Photo:AP)
Hot dogs are on display on stage ahead of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in New York's Coney Island. The first contest was held in Coney Island on Independence Day in 1972. (Photo: AP)
74 hot dogs in 10 minutes: What it took to win a Fourth of July contest