World champ Joey Chestnut competing here in Austin at Bikini's Credit: Photo by Audra Schroeder

OK, so we’re a little late in reporting it (we had to digest!), but Joey Chestnut unseated six-time winner Kobayashi Wednesday during the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog-Eating Championship on Coney Island, finishing with 66 hot dogs to Kobayashi’s 63, and earning the title of world’s fastest eater. Sixty-six hot dogs is also a new world record. We’ve followed the 23-year-old Chestnut since his visit to Austin to compete in this year’s French-Fry-Eating Championship at Bikini’s, and we’ve gotta say we’re proud of the little hole-stuffer. Congratulations Mr. Chestnut for bringing the trophy back home where it belongs. You’ve served your country well.

This article appears in July 6 • 2007.

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