James Webb finishes third in famed Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

A Sydney man has claimed third place at the world’s biggest hot dog eating contest, and at one stage looked like knocking off the GOAT. See the video.

Now this is a mouthful. A Sydney-based competitive eater has claimed third place at the world’s biggest hot dog eating contest after downing 47 hot dogs in just 10 minutes in the US on Tuesday.

James Webb, of Baulkham Hills, impressed many when he placed third at what is considered to be the Super Bowl of eating contests, the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island.

Ranked number 10 in the world for competitive eating, Mr Webb managed to scoff back 47 hot dogs in 10 minutes, beating his personal record of 43.

Competitors gunning for glory soak the frankfurt beforehand so they can be consumed without chewing.

After a blistering start that saw Mr Webb, 34, tied with 17-time contest winner Joey Chestnut, he looked on track at one point to knock off the greatest competitive eater of all time.

James Webb after finishing third. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

In the last two minutes, Mr Webb was placed second with runner-up favourite Geoffrey Esper, both having consumed 39 hotdogs, before Esper overtook him in the final seconds, outdoing the Sydneysider by two.

Chestnut claimed victory with 62 hot dogs.

Competition commentator George Shea said Mr Webb was a legend in competitive eating circles.

Defending champion Joey Chestnut got it done again. Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images/AFP

“His Australian mates call him Don Bradman because he’s the greatest athlete of all time in Australia,” the commentator said.

“The whole southern hemisphere eating competition is his.”

After the spectacular performance Webb told Channel 9 he felt “bloated,” but was happy to have scored a “pretty penny” in US dollars for his heroic efforts.

The competition has been held since 1972.