If you're reading this and *don't* consider Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest a real sport, I'd like to see you scarf down 70 glizzys in 10 minutes. Yep, that's what I thought.
Now that we've cleared up any confusion, let's talk about the annual competition that has made stars out of record-holders like 15-time champion Joey Chestnut. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest—which has been around for over a century—is set to return to Coney Island next week. Here's everything you need to know:
When Is Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest will take place on the Fourth of July for the 107th time, with key players Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo looking to defend their titles.
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Where Will Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition Air?
For the past 20 years, ESPN has owned the exclusive broadcast rights to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, which means—yep, you guessed it—the contest will air on ESPN. The women's competition will take place at 10:45 a.m. EST on ESPN3, followed by the men's at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.
What Should We Expect To See This Year?
If you know anything about the hot dog-eating contest, then you know Joey Chestnut is the man to beat—because he basically never loses. The reigning champ has won nearly 15 straight years, with the exception of 2015. Meanwhile, on the women's side, fan-favorite Miki Sudo is expected to win her ninth title. She currently holds the world record with 48.5 hot dogs eaten in total, The Takeout reports.
Both defending champions will have isolation cameras on them on ESPN3. Sudo's will start at 11 a.m., while you can catch Chestnut—who is looking to top his record of 76 hot dogs—at 12:35 pm EST.
"The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest is the crucible through which greatness is forged," Major League Eating Chair George Shea said. "On Independence Day 2023, we will once again celebrate the birth of this nation and the champion of the Fourth of July."
Best of luck to everyone gorging themselves for glizzy glory this year!
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
