Current Events 7

Who was responsible for making Nathan's hot dog contest famous? How many hot dogs did he eat?

In 2001, Takeru Kobashi ate 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes, it gained international fame. 

How many years has Joey Chestnut won the contest prior to this year? What significant event occurred before the contest began?

Joey Chestnut had won seven times before this year. Before the contest started, Joey proposed to his girlfriend. 

What happened in the women's contest?

Three-time defending women's champion Sonya Thomas did not fare as well. She was defeated by Miki Sudo from Las Vegas, who inhaled 34 frankfurters, far outpacing Sonya's mark.

What in your opinion makes food eating contests like these so popular (a) with contestants (b) with viewers?

I think that it's popular because the contestants get to stuff as much food in, and get money for it if they win. I think it's a fairly rewarding contest. 

I think it's interesting for  the viewers to watch this event. 

https://www.dogonews.com/2014/7/7/joey-chestnut-wins-hot-dog-eating-contest-for-eighth-consecutive-year