Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of Coney Island's annual hot dog eating contest, won his third consecutive title Saturday, downing 68 franks in 10 minutes.

Chestnut defeated his main rival, six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi, of Japan. During last year's event, both men gobbled down 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but Chestnut came on top after winning a five-frank eat-off.

Saturday's Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest was broadcast live on ESPN. The first competition was held in 1916.

AP reports have contributed to this article.