the origins are debated, it is believed to have begun as a result of four immigrants who tried to eat as many hot dogs as possible to show off their patriotism. In 2010, however, promoter Mortimer Matz admitted to having fabricated the legend of the 1916 start date with a man named Max Rosey in the early 1970s as part of a publicity stunt. The legend grew over the years, to the point where The New York Times and other publications were known to have repeatedly listed 1916 as the inaugural year, although no evidence of the contest exists. As Coney Island is often linked with recreational activities of the summer season, several early contests were held on other holidays associated with summer besides Independence Day; Memorial Day contests were scheduled for 1972, 1975, and 1978, and a second 1972 event was held on Labor Day. The organisation of Major League Eating (MLE) in 1997 was also a key development in the increasing popularity. The organisation is responsible for between 70 and 80 eating contests per year across North America, most notably Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, which has aired on ESPN since 2003. In 1959, French entertainer Michel Lotito (then 9 years old) began his habit of eating indigestible foods, in part due to his pica eating disorder. He first performed his skill in 1966, and later became known as "Monsieur Mangetout" (). Throughout the course of his life, Lotito consumed various objects including 18 bicycles, 15 shopping carts, and 7 TV sets. Lotito was awarded a 'strangest diet' plaque from the Guinness Book of Records, which he consumed as well. As of 2022, the most successful male competitor is Joey Chestnut, who has won a total of fifteen times since 2007. Chestnut also holds the record for most hot dogs consumed in the contest, with 76 in 2021. The second most successful is Takeru Kobayashi, who won six consecutive titles from 2001 to 2006. Both men hold multiple world records relating to eating, with Kobayashi holding 5, and Chestnut 14. Bob Shoudt "Notorious B.O.B." won the largest prize ever in a professional eating contest in the 2017 Philadelphia Wing Bowl - $50,000 in prizes (Hyundai Santa Fe, $10,000, ring and medallion). In 2011, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest introduced a female-only tournament. The most successful competitor in this contest is Miki Sudo, with seven consecutive wins since 2014.