DEFENDING champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut chomped down a record 74 franks and buns to take home his 11th title at the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

The renowned competitive eater from San Jose, California, takes home the coveted Mustard Belt and surpassed the previous mark of 72 dogs and buns, which he downed last year at the same contest.

Miki Sudo downed 37 franks to win her fifth straight title in the women’s competition of the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

The Las Vegas competitor fell short of the 41 hot dogs she consumed last year but still beat out second-place finisher Michelle Lesco, of Tucson, Arizona. Lesco choked down 28 wieners and buns.

Sudo said that the heat may have slowed her down in winning the women’s competition.

Sudo was a fan favourite, drawing big cheers from the crowd during her performance, which was slightly delayed after she requested new water to soak her buns.

Thousands of attendees, many in mustard-coloured hot dog caps, braved a heatwave for the annual July Fourth competition on the Coney Island boardwalk, a tradition dating back to 1972.