While New York’s Coney Island is renowned for its hot dog eating contest, Olney, Maryland, celebrates the Fourth of July with a cheesesteak eating competition.

This past Thursday, Brew Belly held its third annual cheesesteak eating contest, offering participants the chance to win a year’s supply of free cheesesteaks from the restaurant. The event also supported Knine Rescue, a nonprofit dog shelter in Montgomery County.

"There's nothing more American than dogs and cheesesteaks," said Brew Belly owner Dave Calkins, who is an avid dog lover himself.

Among the contenders was John Collins from Derwood, the previous year's champion. Despite facing stiff competition, Collins emerged victorious again, devouring two cheesesteaks in just two minutes and 29 seconds.

“I came in fully prepared to give my best, and today, my best was enough,” Collins said. He credited his success to a steady, methodical approach, likening himself to the proverbial tortoise in the race.

“I’ve always been a fast eater, and that definitely helped,” he added.

One of his challengers, Ken Sonnenberg from Olney, announced it would be his final year competing. “I’d rather enjoy my cheesesteak at a leisurely pace,” Sonnenberg admitted.