 looking into the extent of the breach. Rich Thomason reporting. A new champion is crowned in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. 39-year-old Illinois native Patrick Bertoletti devoured 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes in front of the Nathan's flagship location. Second place went to 49-year-old Jeffrey Esper of Massachusetts, who ate 53 hot dogs. News and analysis at townhall.com.