Michelle Lesco, Tucsonβs own nationally ranked competitive eater, tied for third place in the womenβs division of the Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Initial result reports had Lesco losing to competitor Juliet Lee by one hot dog. Revised official results posted on majorleagueeating.com show that Lesco and Lee ate the same amount.
Lesco ate 27 hot dogs in 10 minutes, nearly a dozen less than defending champion Miki Sudo of Las Vegas. Sudo downed 38 1/2 dogs in the same amount of time and took home top honors.
Joey βJawsβ Chestnut took back his crown this year in the menβs division, setting a record for the competition with 70 hot dogs eaten.
Chestnut lost the title in 2015 to Matt βThe Megatoadβ Stonie. Both competitors hail from San Jose, California.
Lesco, a teacher, is ranked No. 7 overall by Major League Eating, the body that oversees more than 80 competitive eating events nationally, including Nathanβs, according to its website.
She told the Star in 2014 that she was inspired to get into competitive eating after taking on the O.M.F.G. burger challenge at Lindy's On Fourth, 431 N. Fourth Ave.Β
Lindy's online menu says the O.M.F.G. includes nine patties, one pound of cheddar and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Lindy's sauce. If you finish the burger in 20 minutes or less, it is free.Β
More than 35,000 spectators were expected at this year's Nathan's hot dog contest.
