American Joey Chestnut Wins 5th Mustard Belt at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

America stood a little prouder yesterday as American Joey Chestnut won his 5th Mustard Belt at the annual 4th of July Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contests.

Chestnut won the contest by eating 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. His next closest competitor was Patrick Bertoletti who finished in 2nd place with 53.

A notable absence was six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi, who was unable to compete due to his refusal to sign an exclusive contract with Major League Eating. Kobayashi crashed last years competition and made a show of trying to get on stage but was not allowed due to the same contract dispute. Instead of being a part of the competition, Kobayashi ate simultaneously in a midtown bar and claims that he ate 69 hot dogs (seen right). If this is proven then he would have broken Chestnut's record of 68 hot dogs set in 2009.

Chestnut had this to say about Kobayashi's behavior:

"It wasn't a competition. It was him just eating. I've done 71 in practice by myself. It's his choice not to be here. He could have signed the same contract he signed three years [ago]. It's sad that he thinks he's Kobe Bryant. This is competitive eating. It's supposed to be fun."

With the win, Chestnut won the $10,000 purse.

For the first time in Nathan's history, there was a separate competition for women. Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas won the women's competition with 40 hot dogs.