The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will proceed with its annual tradition as reigning champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo prepare to defend their titles. This year's event coincides with the United States' 250th birthday and follows a period of notable developments for both the contest and one of its prominent figures.
Chestnut, the men's division champion and record-holder, faces the competition after a legal issue earlier in the year. In April, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an incident in an Indiana bar. His lawyer has stated that the event was a misunderstanding and that Chestnut accepted responsibility. Despite being on probation, Chestnut is permitted to travel outside Indiana. Major League Eating, the organization overseeing the contest, has confirmed that the criminal case does not impact Chestnut's eligibility.
Chestnut has won the men's division a record 17 times, holding the record for consuming 76 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute time limit. Sudo, an 11-time winner in the women's division, holds the women's record with 51 hot dogs and buns.
The contest, which dates back to 1972, takes place in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, New York. Competitors typically dunk hot dogs and buns in water to aid swallowing as they aim to consume as many as possible within the allotted time.
This year's event also takes place after Nathan's Famous, the contest sponsor, was sold in January to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods.