Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo are set to compete in the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, returning to defend their titles at Coney Island. Chestnut aims to surpass his world record of 76 hot dogs and buns set in 2021, while Sudo will attempt to break her own mark of 51 hot dogs and buns achieved in 2024.
The event is scheduled to take place at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. Major League Eating President Rich Shea and Jeremy Schaap will host the contest. Organizers have highlighted the event's alignment with the nation's 250th anniversary, suggesting it captures the spirit of America.
Coverage begins on July 4th with the women's competition starting at 10:45 a.m. ET, airing on ESPN+ and the ESPN App. The men's contest is slated to begin at noon ET on ESPN2. Both contests will also be available on ABC and ESPN+ starting at 12:30 p.m. ET. Viewers can also watch individual cameras for Sudo starting at 11:00 a.m. ET on ESPN+ and for Chestnut from 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited and the ESPN App.
A replay of the competition is scheduled to air at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
In addition to Chestnut and Sudo, the men's field includes Patrick Bertoletti, James Webb, Nick Wehry, Max Stanford, and Radim Dvoracek. The women's lineup features Michelle Lesco, Domenica Dee, Tandra Childress, Katie Prettman, and Larell Marei Mele.
For those without cable, the contest can be streamed live through various services, including DIRECTV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, ESPN Unlimited, and YouTube TV. Some services offer free trials for new subscribers.