NEW YORK - Joey "Jaws" Chestnut beat his own record in regaining the Mustard Yellow International Belt on Monday, downing a stomach-churning 70 hot dogs and buns to top Matt "The Megatoad" Stonie at the annual July Fourth eating contest.

Chestnut, 32, easily secured victory by polishing off 17 more hot dogs than Stonie, who last year ended Chestnut's streak of eight straight wins in a major upset to take the championship title at Nathan's Famous on Coney Island.

The 70 hot dogs and buns gobbled by Chestnut were the most ever eaten at the competition. In 2013, Chestnut set a world record by eating 69 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Contest officials said Chestnut also set a record last month when he ate 73 1/2 hot dogs and buns during a qualifying event.

As he gripped the mustard-colored belt after his win Monday afternoon, Chestnut said Stonie had "woke up the sleeping giant" when he beat him out last year.

"Last year was rough," Chestnut told the crowd. "This year was the best ever."

There is an century-old prophesy within the competitive eating community, dismissed by most, that foretells the rise of the One Eater, a woman who will electrify America's gurgitators and lead them to international victory once again. Like Joan of Arc before her, this eater will be slender of stature, but mighty in strength. In recent years, the prophesy has been mentioned more and more frequently as the eaters have watched Sonya Thomas excel in nearly every contest she enters.

GGD wrote:
Tomorrow morning they'll hold the Hot Dog "passing" Contest. Sponsored by Charmin and RotoRooter.