Competitive Consumption: Every July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest winner since 2000

Every July 4, some of the greatest competitive eating talent in the world descend upon New York City in order to vie for hot dog devouring glory. It’s a tradition that dates back all the way to 1967, and is appointment viewing either in person or on television. We’ll remember each winner of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest since the turn of the century.

Simply put, Chestnut is a living legend in this arena. His resume eats up the achievements of any other participant in the history of the contest. He’s won the event a record 15 times, which is almost double the amount of the next closest person. Chestnut set a world record in 2021 by eating 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Sudo is the second greatest performer in the hot dog eating competition, and has no peers in the women’s bracket. She’s been victorious eight times, and figures to be a titan of the sport for many years to come. Sudo was born in New York City, so her reign has served as a special full circle moment. She once ate 48 and a half hot dogs during the 10 minute duration of the competition.

While Lesco’s victory has a slight historical footnote since it came when Sudo missed the event due to her pregnancy, her triumph cannot be taken away from her. She won the 2021 competition, eating just over 30 hot dogs. She’s nicknamed “Cardboard Shell” during her Major League Eating events, and has devoted a lot of time to giving back to the world.

Every dog has it’s day, but don’t tell that to Stonie. He had a performance for the ages in 2015, going head to head with Chestnut and outlasting him for the victory. He’s tried to replicate that success from 2016-2019, but hasn’t been able to get to the top of the mountain. However, it’s still possible that Stonie has another banner day before his career is through.

The Nathan’s competition did not always have a women’s event, as it only started in 2011. Thomas was the first winner of the female proceedings, and went on to capture three straight victories on July 4. She’s a legendary figure in the world of competitive eating, as she still participates in high profile events well into her mid-fifties.

Before Chestnut started his reign, Kobayashi won the competition for six straight years. The two would clash many times towards the end of the 2000’s, with the 2008 edition being the most memorable. Chestnut defeated Kobayashi in an eat-off, the first in over 25 years to that point. Still, Kobayashi’s accomplishments from 2001-2006 helped increase the popularity of the event.

Arai was the champion of the event in 2000, consuming 25 hot dogs. This may seem low relative to the totals registered by others since, but his story is a most compelling one. The Japanese man would join eating competitions on the side of his main job, which was as the business owner of a dry cleaning store.