With patriotic flair and a nod to tradition, the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is set to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Saturday. This eventful competition, with its star-studded lineup, promises its usual spectacle of speed and appetite.
Earlier this year, Nathan’s Famous was acquired by the packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods, signaling a new chapter for the historic hot dog brand that sponsors the illustrious contest.
Adding further intrigue to this year’s festivities, reigning champion and record-holder Joey Chestnut faced legal challenges. He made headlines when he was accused of slapping a man at a bar in Indiana, a charge to which he pleaded guilty in April, accepting a misdemeanor battery conviction.
Nevertheless, the sizzling showdown continues unabated. Both Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo are poised to defend their titles in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, as the spotlight returns to the competition itself.
Participants are tasked with the daunting challenge of devouring as many hot dogs and buns as they can within a ten-minute timeframe. Many opt to soak the hot dogs in water beforehand—a strategic move that assists in swift consumption.
Sudo is an 11-time winner and holds the women’s record of 51 dogs.
Chestnut has taken the so-called Mustard Belt 17 times and notched the men’s record: 76 franks.
He’s still on probation in the battery case but is allowed to travel outside Indiana.
His lawyer has said that what happened in the bar was a misunderstanding and that Chestnut accepted responsibility for his actions.
Hot dog contest organizer Major League Eating, which oversees the Nathan’s Famous contest, said the criminal case didn’t affect Chestnut’s eligibility for the competition.
The event, which dates to 1972, is held in front of the original Nathan’s Famous’ restaurant in New York’s Coney Island.