Every Fourth of July, Coney Island in New York becomes the epicenter of a uniquely American spectacle: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. This event pits the nation’s most voracious competitive eaters against one another in a frenetic race to devour as many hot dogs and buns as possible within a ten-minute window. The atmosphere is electric, the competition fierce, and the spectacle? Both mesmerizing and, for some, mildly unsettling. Yet, it’s undeniably funny to watch.
In 2021, Joey Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” set an astonishing world record by gulping down 76 hot dogs and buns within the allotted time. The contest is a blend of strategy and sheer willpower, with competitors employing various techniques to maximize their consumption. The sight is peculiar; buns and dogs are often dipped in water to soften them for quicker consumption, and participants’ cheeks bulge like chipmunks gathering supplies for winter. Their faces contort into expressions of agonizing determination reminiscent of marathon runners in the final stretch.
Winning this gastronomic grudge match isn’t just about fast and furious eating; it’s also about keeping everything down. The ultimate champion receives the coveted “Mustard Belt,” an ornate prize that resembles a boxing championship belt but with a whimsical twist — it proudly features a hot dog and an Uncle Sam figure.
With the rise of sports betting in the United States, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has also become a quirky staple in the betting community. Major US betting operators now offer odds not just on who will emerge victorious, but also on the over-unders for the number of hot dogs consumed by individual competitors. On popular platforms like DraftKings, you can find the contest listed right alongside traditional sports such as hockey and lacrosse.
As of July 2, Jeffrey Esper was the frontrunner on DraftKings with odds of -120 to win. Esper placed second last year, downing 49 dogs and buns to Chestnut’s 62. With Chestnut out of this year’s competition due to a controversial fallout, many expect the contest to be more competitive than ever.
Chestnut’s absence results from a dispute involving Impossible Foods, a company that produces plant-based hot dogs. After Chestnut agreed to promote Impossible Foods, Major League Eating (MLE) and Nathan’s objected, citing a conflict of interest. After a month-long saga of negotiations and accusations, Chestnut confirmed he would not compete at Coney Island this year.
. However, this doesn’t mean he’ll be idle on Independence Day; planned to compete in a simultaneous hot dog eating contest against four soldiers at Fort Bliss in Texas.
The contest at Coney Island still promises to be a nail-biter. James Webb, with odds of +200, finished third last year by consuming 47 hot dogs. Nick Wehry, sitting at +550, came in fourth with 45. FanDuel paints an even tighter race, placing Esper at +100 and Webb at +125 as of the latest odds.
Adding another layer of excitement, women’s category champion Miki Sudo, a nine-time winner, will also be competing. Sudo devoured 39 1/2 hot dogs last year and holds the women’s world record at 48 1/2. She is heavily favored to win again, with current odds at -1200 on DraftKings and -1000 on FanDuel.
Both contests are hosted by notable sports personalities Jeremy Schaap and Rich Shea. The men’s competition will air live on ESPN2 at noon ET, with replays scheduled for 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. The women’s contest will broadcast live at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3.
As the clock ticks down to this year’s event, the air is thick with anticipation. Will there be a new record? Can anyone rival Chestnut’s incredible feats? Whether you’re a betting enthusiast or just in it for the spectacle, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest continues to be one of America’s most eccentric and entertaining traditions.
