The world’s top-ranked hot dog devourer gulped down 26 more frankfurters and buns than runner-up Geoffrey Esper, and one more than he ate in winning the annual July 4 holiday event last year.

“It just felt good,” Chestnut told broadcaster ESPN of chowing down in front of fans again after last year’s contest was held indoors without spectators because of the pandemic.

“Even if I was uncomfortable, having everybody cheer me and push me, it made me feel good.”

Lingering Covid restrictions meant the contest was not held outside the Nathan’s hotdog store at Brooklyn’s Coney Island, but at a nearby minor league baseball park with 5,000 spectators.

Chestnut has now won 14 of the last 15 contests since he defeated six-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi of Japan in 2007. Chestnut’s only defeat in that time was to Matt Stonie in 2015.

Meanwhile, Michelle Lesco downed 30 and 3/4 hotdogs and buns to win the women’s title ahead of Sarah Rodriguez. Seven-time champion Miki Sudo did not defend her title as she is expecting her first child later this month.