Location: Las Vegas, NV
Sean "Flash" Gordon & Stephanie Torres earned the first seats to Coney Island of the year after their respective top finishes at the New York New York Hotel & Casino's qualifier.
Gordon, who has qualified for the July 4th event the past two years, ate 30 Nathan's hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes for the win.
In the newly formed women's division, newcomer Stephanie Torres from New Mexico made a resounding statement after eating 23 HDBs to capture the first-ever seat to the Women's Championship on July 4th.
Challenging Gordon for the top spot was Adrian "the Rabbit" Morgan who fell behind in the final minute and finished with 27 HDBs. Many are still predicting Morgan to earn a spot to Coney this year - either via another qualifier or as the Wildcard Winner.
In a turn back the clock moment, Kid Cary Degrosa was in the crowd rooting for Las Vegas resident and former MLE great Rich "the Locust" LeFevre. LeFevre's sentimental bid for a return to Coney fell short though when he ate 21 HDBs to finish third out of the men.
About Nathan's Famous Nathan’s products are currently distributed in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and five foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and retail licensing activities. The Nathan’s restaurant system currently consists of 268 units, comprised of 263 franchised or licensed units and five company-owned units (including one seasonal unit). For additional information about Nathan’s please visit www.nathansfamous.com.
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