The big surprise of the day, however, was San Jose's Joey Chestnut, a rookie who shocked a field of veteran gurgitators by consuming 32 HDBs to earn third place. Chestnut started fast and maintained his pace throughout.

Cookie Jarvis of Long Island and Kenji Oguni of Japan tied for fourth with 29. The crowd at the corner of Surf and Stillwell was unbelievable -- an estimated 10,000 fans.

Koby with 49, Thomas 37
Chestnut Surprises with 32

JULY 4, 2005

Takeru Kobayashi of Japan successfully defended his title at Nathan's Famous in Coney Island by consuming 49 Nathan's Famous hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes. Sonya Thomas, who ended with 37, was on Kobayashi's heels throughout the first half of the contest and clearly pushed him harder than any American ever has.

Full Results:

1. Takeru Kobayashi - 49
2. Sonya Thomas - 37
3. Joey Chestnut - 32
4. Kenji Oguni - 29
4. Ed Jarvis - 29
6. Rich LeFevre 25 1/2
7. Carlene LeFevre - 25
8. Ron Koch - 23

9. Tim Janus - 22 1/2
10. Eric Booker - 22
10. Charles Hardy - 22
12. Pat Philbin - 20
13. Crazy Legs Conti - 19
14. Joe LaRue - 18
15. Don Lerman - 15
16. Rob Burns - 10