Sonya Thomas Wins First Women's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The first annual Women's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has come and gone, and Sonya Thomas is the first ever Women's Hot Dog Eating Champion. Thomas came in as the women's record holder, having eaten 41 hot dogs and buns in 2009, and nearly matched that number, finishing with 40 hot dogs and buns eaten in the 10-minute competition.

Thomas had a chance at the record, as she moved into the final few minutes of the competition with about 35 hot dogs and buns already consumed. But her pace slowed in the closing moments of the contest.

Juliet Lee, who led Thomas early, tied for second with Hot Dog Eating Contest rookie Stephanie Torres. Both eaters downed 28 hot dogs and buns.

Thomas will take home $10,000 for her victory, an equivalent prize to what the winner of the Men's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will take home. That competition will be broadcast live on ESPN at noon.