James Webb breaks eating world record, takes down Joey Chestnut

Australian James Webb has done what so few have been able to achieve as he etched his name into the record books on Monday.

Australia has a new world record holder and his name is James Webb.

Webb ventured into Highmark Stadium in New York State for the Wing It On! U.S. Chicken Wing Eating Championship.

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Lining up against perennial eating competition powerhouse Joey Chestnut and twice reigning champion of the wing competition Miki Sudo, Webb was among some formidable company.

But that didn’t faze the Sydneysider as he blew his rivals out of the water.

Competitors are given 12 minutes to devour as many chicken wings as they possibly can, with judges checking to ensure all of the meat has come off the bone.

When the final buzzer sounded it was Webb who stood alone atop the mountain.

His heroics of devouring chicken saw him finish with a new world record as he downed a gargantuan 276 wings.

For those wondering or wanting to attempt the feat at home, it works out to be 23 wings every minute or one wing every 2.6 seconds.

“If you told me this yesterday, I would have laughed in your face. I’m so shocked right now,” Webb said.

“I’m from Australia man, I just make it up as I go along.

“I was just trying to clean the bones as best as I could. I know that I’m not as fast as [Chestnut and Sudo], but if they weigh leftovers and there’s less chicken, I have a chance. I guess my style works.”

James Webb broke the world record.

Sudo (L) and Chestnut (R) couldn't keep up.

Chestnut finished second in the competition, a whopping 36 wings behind on 240, with Sudo claiming the third-placed finish with 231 wings.

Chestnut, the number one competitive eater in the world, heaped praise on the Aussie after finishing behind him.

“I’ve got some bad cleaning habits I guess,” he said. “This was only my second time eating against James Webb, and the guy is good. He surprised me, I didn’t know how fast he was.”

Webb finished third behind Chestnut during the annual Nathan’s hot dog competition on July 4 at Coney Island in New York.

Chestnut claimed his 16th win in the competition as he chowed down 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Webb finished 47 in the same time frame.

In 2022 the man from Sydney became the first ever Aussie to compete in the event and finished third with 41.

“Joey Chestnut is a force from beyond who defies the laws of physics,” contest host George Shea said.

“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest is arguably the most iconic sporting event in American history.

“The event is a crucible through which greatness is forged.”