Queens Man Downs 40 Hot Dogs In Nathan's Qualifier
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A Queens native earned his place in next month's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest with a gutty performance Saturday at Citi Field.
Eric "Badlands" Booker ate 40 hot dogs to win the title of Queens Hot Dog Eating Champion.
The event was just one of 16 qualifiers for Nathan's annual July 4th contest in Coney Island.
While competitors practiced for Saturday's event, they may have had some extra help from Mother Nature.
"Some of these competitors would argue that the rain will sort of dampen the bun, facilitate the swallowing process," said Major League Eating President Richard Shea.
"You train your stomach, you train your strategy, you know what I am saying? You stay hungry and focused," said Booker.
Booker will face off against 20 other competitors on Independence Day.
Last year's winner, Joey Chestnut, downed 64 hot dogs to take the coveted Mustard Belt.