road Report: Las Vegas

The heat was a factor in Las Vegas as Rich "The Locust" LeFevre won his hometown Nathan's Famous qualifier with 26 HDBs in 10 minutes. Ron Koch, known as The Optic in eating circles, posted an impressive 21 HDBs for 2nd place, giving LeFevre a run for his money throughout the event until slipping in the final minute.

Jason Leeos, a virtual unknown, downed 14 for third, while Richard Wasserman ate 13 and placed fourth.

It was 98 degrees with unbroken sun in Las Vegas yet the crowd waited as the eaters mounted the stage. Both LeFvere and Koch withstood the heat, but they seemed less energetic than usual midway through the contest.