A Massachusetts teacher is the runner up yet again at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Oxford man Geoffrey Esper finished in second in the Fourth of July competition, devouring 53 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. He receives $5,000 for second place.

With world record holder Joey Chestnut out this year, it was a close contest for the top prize of $10,000 and the mustard-yellow belt.

The 49-year-old Massachusetts man, who finished in second place at last year’s contest, was one of the favorites heading into the legendary competition on the Fourth of July. He got the dedicated ISO camera from ESPN during the contest — the cam that was previously reserved for Chestnut.

“I got a chance at the belt now,” Esper told the Herald ahead of Thursday’s contest.

“It’s still not going to be easy,” he added. “There are three other guys who are all pretty close, so it should be very close.”

And it was quite tight with Patrick Bertoletti coming in first with 58 hot dogs and buns.

Esper, who teaches electronics at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton, broke his previous personal record of 51 hot dogs and buns.

The annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Championship, an American holiday tradition, was held at the iconic Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island.

Thousands make the trip to Coney Island each year to watch the event in person. According to Major League Eating archives, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Championship has occurred each July 4 in Coney Island since 1916.