CHAMP RETAINS HOT DOG EATING TITLE

He defeated his arch-rival, six-time title-holder Takeru Kobayashi, in the bout after leading throughout the contest.

Last year's event initially ended in a tie, with Mr Chestnut and Mr Kobayashi both gobbling down 59 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, before Mr Chestnut won a dramatic five hot dog eat-off.

This year's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest was broadcast live on ESPN.

Mr Chestnut is from California. Mr Kobayashi is from Japan.