I don't think the Founding Fathers had a celebration of mindless gluttony in mind when they declared their independence from England.  But 232 years later, it wouldn't be Independence Day if it weren't Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from Coney Island, Brooklyn. 

The introduction of the participants and their nicknames is more entertaining than the contest itself.  The participants are from across America and world and from different walks of life.  Opie & Anthony's producer, a fashion model in love with himself, a masked Cubs fan (take off the mask bro, the Cubs are in first place), the first Faith Based Eater, the Black Widow, former champion Kobayashi, and the defending champion Joey Chestnut.

I like to eat but these people are ridiculous.   I had no idea that there was a matzoh ball eating champion. Who know?

Onto the contest itself.  This year's contest is 10 minutes long instead of last year's 10 minutes.  Chestnut led from the get go but Kobayashi was in second.  Kobayashi closed to within one with five minutes left.  He ties with 40 hot dogs with about four minutes left. 

Kobayashi took the lead with about 2:29 left.  Chestnut tied.  They are neck and neck.  Kobayashi goes ahead by two with 1:30 remaining.  Under a minute and down the stretch they go.  Can Chestnut come back?  They are tied at 59.  They shoved the final hotdogs down their throats. 

Who won? A photo finish.  They tie. 

A dog off.  Whoa!  Who can eat five hot dogs first?  Joey Chestnut wins!  Joey Chestnut defends his title.  The world's most extreme eating chamionship remains in America.  Something to be proud of I guess. 

Posted by a bewildered Tank in NY.