American Joey Chestnut (above center)has reclaimed his crown at the annual hot dog-eating contest in New York with an absorbing overtime victory over his Japanese arch rival Takeru Kobayashi (above left).
After first tying with Kobayashi in a 10-minute chow-down, Chestnut then prevailed in a five-dog eat-off.
The pair tied at 59 frankfurters in 10 minutes, before being made to gobble another five dogs in a last-minute tiebreaker. They consumed 64 hot dogs total and were looking quite peaked after the competition.
Kobayashi had hoped to win back the title after a disappointing three-dog loss last year shattered his six-year winning streak.
"He wanted it, but I needed it," said a delighted Chestnut said of his diminutive Japanese rival.
Thousands gathered at Coney Island on US Independence Day to watch the glutinous gladiators compete in the annual event held since 1916.
Chestnut emerged victorious for the second year in a row, beating 20 others to claim the $10,000 first prize and the coveted mustard-yellow belt along with perhaps a little indigestion.
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