Sudo surpassed Mayoi Ebihara’s mark of 33 1/2 hot dogs in a matter of 10 minutes in a contest that seemed to be much closer until the final tally was announced. The unofficial real-time counter showed the two women tied for much of the competition. A final count of dishes tipped the balance.
Sudo, 37, was disappointed by her win, coming within nine hot dogs of her all-time record. She said the 27-year-old Ebihara’s competition baffled her.
“The first two minutes I just stared at her, which I never want to do. I never want to be distracted by the other competitors,” said Sudo, from Port Richey, Florida, after the competition. “Looking at her, my hands twisted. I got stuck with a big burp at first, but I was able to correct it.”
On the other hand, bad weather delayed the men’s competition. Champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is seeking his 16th title in the men’s division.
The annual pageant held on the Coney Island boardwalk in New York drew competitors from England, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil and Australia, according to ESPN.
