It’s official:

A San Jose man smashed the world record for hot dog eating at a contest Saturday, gobbling up more than 59 franks in 12 minutes.

Joey Chestnut, 22, shattered the record held by Takeru Kobayashi of Japan by downing 59 1/2 “HBDs” – hot dogs and buns – during the Southwest Regional Hot Dog Eating Championship at the Arizona Mills Mall in suburban Tempe.

Kobayashi’s old record of 53 3/4 was set last year at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at Coney Island in New York, said George Costos, who helps runs the regional contests for Nathan’s.

Chestnut placed second in last year’s world championships, consuming 52 hot dogs.

This announcement puts major pressure on Takeru Kobayashi, who is set to face off with Chestnut at the July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition this year. Will Japan be able to reclaim the world record?

[Hat tip to Eat Feats]