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12 facts you didn’t know about Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
There is so much more to know about the century-old Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest than you realize
Hold on to your guts—Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025 is upon us!
We can all agree that there’s nothing better than going to a baseball game or one of the best NYC parks for a cookout and eating one-too-many hot dogs, right? Well, the gluttonous act has reached the big leagues in New York, as over 40,000 tune in during Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, NY.
During the competition—which is now more than 100 years old—Frankfurter-eating legends race the clock and chow down on as many Nathan’s Famous dogs and buns they can swallow in ten minutes. It’s certainly one of the most beloved traditions and best NYC events for July 4, so here’s everything you need to know about watching and entering the competition. You won’t want to miss a single bite.
What is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Okay, you might question the amount of athleticism needed to swallow a bunch of wieners, but Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is one of the most unique sporting competitions in the world—you can even watch the race live on ESPN! Folks will gather to watch the top female and male eaters try to swallow as many franks as possible within ten minutes. The prize (apart from a free meal)? Eternal glory, and a $10,000 prize purse containing a big shiny trophy and a bejeweled Mustard Belt.
When is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The race of legends goes down on Independence Day (Friday, July 4) kicking off around 10:45am.
Where is Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Watch the glorious event at Nathan’s Flagship restaurant (1310 Surf Ave.) on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues at Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Who is competing in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Top-ranked male Joey Chestnut and top-ranked female Miki Sudo will be back to show us their eating prowess. Other notable participants include No. 2 ranked eater Patrick Bertoletti, No. 3 ranked eater Geoffrey Esper, No. 4 ranked eater James Webb, No. 6 ranked eater Nick Wehry, and No. 9 ranked eater Michelle Lesco, among others, per ESPN.
After striking a deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods (a rival to Nathan's), he was barred from last year's contest. Chestnut announced on social media that he'll return to the 2025 competition, a delight to his fans.
Here are the stats on last year's winners:
In 2024, Patrick Bertoletti trounced the competition by housing 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, winning the Mustard Belt. In the women's division, Miki Sudo won the world record of 51 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in 10 minutes. With that feat, she won her tenth title on July 4, 2024.
What is the schedule for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Though the 2025 schedule hasn't been announced, this is typically how it goes down:
10am: Pre-show festivities, including musical and dance performances
11am: Women’s Contest
12pm: Men’s Contest
How can I participate in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
You have to register for the Nathan’s Famous qualifying event, but those are closed for 2025. Better luck next year! Keep an eye on the Major League Eating website if you want to sign up.
How do I get to Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Via subway: D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Avenue Station.
Via Manhattan Express Bus: X28 (Bensonhurst/Midtown), X38 (Bensonhurst/Midtown).
What TV channel is airing Nathan's hot dog eating contest?
If you can't make it in person, ESPN broadcasts the festivities. The broadcast will kick off at 10:45am. If you miss it live, re-airs will be at 5pm and 9pm on ESPN and 6pm on ESPN2.
What else is going on at Coney Island for July 4?
Make a day of it and head to the beach after the competition. Stick around until the evening to catch the Coney Island fireworks show.
