New York, July 5 (DPA) A 26-year-old man devoured 54 hot dogs in 10 minutes to win a popular annual eating competition.

It was the fourth consecutive win at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest for Joey "Jaws" Chestnut from California. He finished nine hot dogs ahead of his closest competitor, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.

Chestnut claimed the blazing heat - it was 34.4 Celsius - hampered his hot-dog-eating ability. Along with winning the prized mustard yellow belt, he also won $30,000. Last year, he set a world record after wolfing down 68 hot dogs.

Nathan's July 4 contest, which takes place on Coney Island, has been held every year since 1916 - except in 1941 when it was cancelled to protest the war in Europe, and in 1971 when it was cancelled to protest civil unrest.

About 20 participants stand side by side along a nine-metre table as trays laden with hot dogs are brought to them. Cheered on by hundreds of supporters, they stuff their faces with bread and sausage, stopping only to breathe and take a sip of water.