Joey Chestnut has finally met his match – lightning and rain.
Inclement weather has delayed the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that was scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Allison O’Donnell, a spokesperson for the contest, disputed reports that the contest had been canceled. She said it was scheduled to be held when the inclement weather cleared.
But she said she was unsure if ESPN would televise the Fourth of July spectacle as scheduled because of the delay.
The women’s competition was held before the heavy rain and lighting delayed the festivities.
Miki Sudo won her ninth title while devouring 39½ hot dogs.
No one else in the field ate more than 33½.
Since 2014, Sudo has failed to win just once – when she skipped the 2021 contest because she was pregnant.
Before the contest, Chestnut said he not only was aiming for his 16th title but also hoping to break his record of 76 hot dogs.
He has won 16 of the last 17 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contests.
