CINCINNATI - The top-ranked competitive eater in the world and reigning king of the World Bratwurst Eating Championship has defended his title in Cincinnati, washing down 35 brats in 10 minutes.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Joey "Jaws" Chestnut approaches the contest like a sport.

Chestnut, a construction manager in San Jose, Calif., says he prepares by fasting for two to three days before the contest, which took place at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, North America's largest Oktoberfest.

The 10 male competitors put away 170 brats in 10 minutes Saturday during the officially sanctioned contest.

One observer called the contest "pretty wild" and said he didn't know whether to throw up or get a brat for himself.

For his victory, Chestnut won $2,000 and a golden Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati chicken hat.