LeFevre Downs 28 HDBs to Win Tempe

Henderson, NV, resident Rich LeFevre consumed 28 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes to win the Nathan's Famous qualifier at the Arizona Mills Mall in Tempe, AZ.

By winning the event LeFevre earned a seat at the 2006 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island.

A crowd of more than 1,000 watched LeFevre as he set a new Arizona record. This amazing number -- 28 -- would have won the world contest every year until 2001. Placing second in the event was Erik The Red Denmark with 19 and placing third was Russell Blackwell from Mesa arizona with 13.

To qualify for the July 4 event this year has required extraordinary numbers. Bob Shoudt consumed 28 HDBs in Philadelphia on Memorial Day to place second. At the same event Brian Subich ate 25 for third -- this also would have been a world record only a few years ago.