Chestnut has now won 15 times but yesterday fell way short of the record he set in 2020 when he downed 76 hotdogs, buns included, also in 10 minutes.

He apologised to the crowd and said he would do better next year.

Chestnut told AFP he trains by eating hotdogs often and taking part in eating contests featuring them about once a week.

After Monday’s virtuoso performance, he said he would not touch food again for a day.

Chestnut was the undisputed winner of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hotdog Eating Contest, finishing far ahead of the field.

Second place went to one Geoffrey Esper with 47.5 franks and buns, and third to a James Webb, with 41.

“Chestnut is a force from beyond who defies the laws of physics,” said contest host George Shea.

In the women’s category, Miki Sudo triumphed with 40 hotdogs in 10 minutes.

Sudo returned after sitting out last year because she was pregnant. This time she showed off her new baby, but fell short of her record of 48 franks.

Competitors from all over the United States and as far away as Australia tend to dunk their hotdogs in water or soda to make them easier to swallow in such rapid succession without gagging.

“Nathan’s is arguably the most iconic sporting event in American history,” Shea said. “The event is a crucible through which greatness is forged.”