The annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest returns to Coney Island, New York, on July 4th, with 17-time champion Joey Chestnut set to defend his title. The women's contest is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. ET, followed by the men's competition at 12 p.m. ET.
Chestnut, who reclaimed his championship in 2025 after a brief hiatus, will be competing again this year. Last year, he consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns to secure his win. Miki Sudo, the reigning women's champion and record holder, will also return to defend her title, seeking her fifth consecutive and 12th overall win.
The contest will be broadcast on the ESPN app for the women's event and ESPN2 for the men's event. For viewers without cable, the contest can be streamed through live TV services. DIRECTV offers a free trial period and subscription packages that include the ESPN networks. Alternatively, a Sling Orange Day Pass provides 24-hour access to ESPN2 for $4.99, with other pass options available.
Competitors face a 10-minute time limit to eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible. They receive plates of five hot dogs and buns at a time. Ketchup and mustard are not permitted, and only water is provided as a beverage. Dunking hot dogs and buns in water for up to five seconds is allowed. Competitors can separate hot dogs from buns, but must consume an equal amount of each; any vomiting results in disqualification. The participant who eats the most hot dogs and buns wins.
The event features a prize pool of approximately $40,000, with $10,000 awarded to each winner. Second and third place finishers in both the men's and women's events also receive prize money.
Top competitors from around the globe are expected to participate. The men's field includes Chestnut and fellow American Patrick Bertoletti, alongside international contenders like James Webb from Australia and Max Stanford from England. The women's field features Sudo and a diverse group of American competitors, including Domenica Dee and Tandra Childress.