It is an annual event that draws nearly 40,000 people and the crowd's favourite hot dog eating champion, Joey Chestnut, did not disappoint.

Chestnut was top dog for the sixth time in the men's section of Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

He equalled his record, scoffing down a total of 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes and he said it wasn't easy.

"I was pushing my body to the absolute limit and the last minute is the hardest."

In the women's competition, reigning winner Sonya 'The Black Widow' Thomas took home the top prize. She ate a total of 45 hot dogs and buns.

She said it is all about being mentally prepared, "I say I'm going to eat and today I set my goal and I don't want to disappoint myself and I push myself. I'm really fighting with me and it worked."

Keeping their bellies full paid off, both champions took home $10,000 in winnings.