Photo: Instagram/joeychestnut
(Podcast length 5 mins)
After fireworks and listening to Whitney Houston’s rendition of the National Anthem on repeat, this is our favorite 4th of July tradition.
1. In a tradition unlike any other, our nation will celebrate its birthday with the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The contest will be returning to its home at Nathan’s flagship restaurant on Coney Island after two years of being away, thanks to COVID. Why hot dogs? According to Nathan’s legend has it that on July 4, 1916, four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand on Coney Island and made eating contest history. As the story goes, they competed to see who was the most patriotic. The winner was determined with a hot dog eating contest. BUT OF COURSE
2. Let’s talk about what everyone is thinking about – vomiting. An eater who has "a Roman incident" or “reversal of fortune,” as it is so delightfully called, will be disqualified if the result of that incident touches the plate or table. After the contest, eaters can dispose of the food however they’d like, although some contests have a post-binge wait period. MAKE SURE NOT TO SIT IN THE SPLASH ZONE
3. This isn't college; the competitors don't show up just for the food. The winner out of the dog-downing competitors will take home $10,000. Want to bet on it? That can be done. You can also bet whether PETA will interrupt the contest or not or if there will be a “reversal of fortune.” One thing that’s a sure winner, Nathan’s will continue their annual tradition of donating 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank of New York. EATING FOR GOOD
4. The crowd of 35,000 people might be just what 14-time champion Joey Chestnut needs to beat his record 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes set last year. He reveals what happens to his body post-contest, and it’s gross (his sweat smells like hot dogs). He is one of 18 men to compete for the mustard belt. Chestnut has won the champion’s belt every year since 2007, except for 2015. He also holds the record for the most hard-boiled eggs eaten in 10 minutes at 151. IRON STOMACH
5. Don’t worry, this sport isn’t only for the boys. Miki Sudo won seven straight years until last year when she missed the competition because she was pregnant with her first child. But don’t worry, she’s back. Only three women, Sudo, Sonya Thomas and last year’s champ, Michelle Lesco, have won the women’s competition since it started in 2011. STEP UP TO THE PLATE
You can catch the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on ESPN from 10:45 ET to 1 pm ET on July 4.
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