Miki Sudo Claims Women’s Title at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Miki Sudo, the reigning champion, took home the women’s title at the annual Nathan Hot Dog Eating Contest on Friday, consuming 33 hot dogs within 10 minutes. This was a notable decrease from her previous year’s record of 51 hot dogs, which set a world record.
Feeling a bit let down, Sudo remarked on her victory, mentioning that she “beat the fans a bit” by not surpassing her own record. “For some reason, the bread felt big today,” she added, reflecting on her performance.
Despite not starting off the fastest, she emphasized that consistency was her focus. “This is the 11th time I’ve refused to lose, refused to give up, and I’ll be back even if I stumble!” she said with determination.
Michelle Lesco, who had won in 2021 when Sudo was unable to compete due to pregnancy, secured second place this year with 22.75 hot dogs. Rookie Domenicady finished third in her first-ever contest with 21.5 hot dogs.
Sudo has an impressive record since she began competing in Coney Island in 2014, having eaten as many as 51 hot dogs. In 2020, she managed 48.5. Her husband, also a competitive eater, noted that she seemed a bit nervous, possibly due to the heat on that Friday morning, which hit around 80 degrees.
Commentator George Shea observed that “dogs are late today,” hinting at the slight struggle the participants faced. He added, “It seems that women are struggling with hot dogs today. I don’t know why, but Miki won’t stop.”
At 39, Sudo remains a formidable competitor, having won every competition she’s entered since 2014, earning 11 pink belts along the way.
