Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024: Time, Channel, Price

The 4th of July offers many entertainment options, including fireworks, pool parties, bonfires, fairs, and barbecues. Arguably no patriotic activity is crazier than Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which has been providing a spectacular treat to the masses for decades. Prepare for this year’s festivities with some fun facts.

When is Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024? How can I watch?

There are several events taking place on July 4. The women’s competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The “Miki Sudo Camera,” which will spotlight the 2023 women’s champion, begins at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men’s competition begins at noon ET on ESPN2. Pro eater Geoffrey Esper will also get his own camera, which begins at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN3.

Where does Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest take place every year?

Nathan’s famous hot dog eating contest is usually held outside the original Nathan’s location in Coney Island near Brooklyn, New York. In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nathan’s had to briefly deviate from this tradition and hold the competition at a private location without fans.

What year did Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest start?

Although there is an urban legend that says the inaugural contest took place in 1916, the first official and recorded contest took place on July 4, 1972, in Coney Island.

What are the competition rules?

Major League Eating (MLE) has organized the event since 1997. Currently, competitors must have a contract with MLE to participate. In addition to past champions and special MLE invitees, aspiring eaters can qualify for the event through other preliminary competitions.

During the event, contestants must eat as many Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in buns as they can within 10 minutes. Each contestant has their own scorekeeper who records the number of hot dogs eaten during the competition period.

A few other rules are also taken into account:

• Water and other drinks are allowed and promote a rapid flow of activity.

• Spices are allowed, but participants usually avoid them.

• Partially eaten hot dogs count, and hot dogs still being chewed at the end of regulation time may qualify (as long as they are successfully swallowed).

• Penalty tickets may be issued for messy eating and burping.

• If the score is tied at the end of regular time, sudden death eat-offs are brought into play.

What prizes will the winners receive?

First place will receive $10,000, second place will receive $5,000, third place will receive $2,500, fourth place will receive $1,500, and fifth place will receive $1,000. Additionally, the top male competitor will receive a mustard yellow belt and the top female competitor will receive a pink belt.

What notable competitors should you keep an eye on?

Joey Chestnut is the all-time best male champion and has 15 Nathan’s titles to his credit. Chestnut holds the world record for eating 73 hot dogs in 10 minutes. This year, Joey Chestnut was disqualified from competing after signing a marketing deal with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan’s. Other top competitors still in the race include Esper, James Webb and Nick Wehry.

Miki Sudo is the all-time best female champion and has won 8 Nathan’s titles. Sudo holds the world record for eating 6 hot dogs in one minute. Sudo will look to defend her 2023 title while her husband Wehry will fight for the men’s title. Impressive eaters in Sudo’s competition include Michelle Lesco, Cherish Brown and Larell Mele.

Can I catch Joey Chestnut in another competition soon?

Chestnut will face off against rival Takeru Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest on Labor Day. Netflix will broadcast the contest on September 2.

How can I spice up my hot dogs for the 4th of July?

According to the Nathan’s website, an American flag hot dog board can add a fun twist to your traditional hot dog plate.

Since when has ESPN been associated with the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest?

ESPN platforms have broadcast the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest since 2004. In 2022, ESPN signed a new agreement with the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) to continue the broadcast partnership through 2029.