Joey Chestnut is an American hero on a day made for celebrating American heroes.

As the red, white and blue drapes itself across our national canvas, Chestnut stepped to the plate with pride on the line against a champion from Japan and defended his and our honor in record fashion - by eating 68 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes.

Reigning champ Chestnut has logged his third consecutive win in Coney Island's annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest and archrival and six-time titleholder Takeru Kobayashi, in Saturday's bout. Chestnut led throughout the contest.

Last year's event initially ended in a tie, with Chestnut and Kobayashi both gobbling down 59 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Chestnut went on to win a dramatic five hot dog eat-off.

This year there would be no drama, no question from the start as the San Jose native and competitive eating god popped franks like fireworks.

While there were pretenders to the throne, like Crazy Legs Conti, and even a herd of hungry pachyderms ready to pack in tons of buns, the star-spangled glory rest in the belly of Joey Chestnut tonight.

Well done, champion. Well done.

Who is Joey Chestnut, American hero? (Forbes)

More Joey Chestnut video goodness after the jump ...