Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025? Every Fourth of July, as Americans fire up their grills and wave their flags, one event stands out as a uniquely patriotic spectacle: the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Held at the iconic Nathan’s Famous restaurant on Coney Island, this annual tradition is a wild, messy, and downright jaw-dropping celebration of competitive eating. If you’re wondering, “What time is the hot dog eating contest?” or planning to catch the action in person or on TV, this blog post has everything you need to know about the 2025 event, plus some fun facts to get you in the spirit. Let’s dive into the details of this deliciously bizarre Independence Day tradition!
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When and Where Does It Happen?
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place every year on July 4th at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. This is the original Nathan’s Famous location, a historic spot that’s been serving up hot dogs since 1916. The 2025 contest is set to be a big one, especially with the return of fan-favorite Joey Chestnut, who was banned in 2024 due to a sponsorship dispute but is back to chase another Mustard Belt.
Here’s the schedule for July 4, 2025, based on the latest information:
- 10:00 AM ET: Pre-show festivities kick off with musical performances, dance acts, and the electric energy of emcee George Shea’s legendary contestant introductions. If you’re attending in person, arrive early—around 9:00 AM—to snag a good spot, as crowds can swell to 40,000 or more.
- 10:45 AM ET: The women’s competition begins, broadcast live on ESPN3. Expect top female eaters like Miki Sudo, the reigning champion with 10 titles, to dominate the stage.
- 12:00 PM ET: The men’s competition starts, airing on ESPN2. This is when Joey Chestnut and other top-ranked eaters will battle it out to see who can down the most Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
- Re-airs: Can’t catch it live? ESPN has you covered with re-airs at 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET on ESPN, and 6:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
If you’re not in New York, you can stream the event on the ESPN app or ESPN.com by logging in with your TV provider. The contest draws about a million viewers annually, though 2024’s numbers dipped to 831,000 without Chestnut. With his return, expect a big audience in 2025
A Brief History of Hot Dog Glory
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a Fourth of July staple since 1972, though some claim its origins date back to a 1916 publicity stunt involving immigrants proving their patriotism through hot dog consumption. Managed by Major League Eating (MLE) since 1997, the event has grown into a global phenomenon, thanks to stars like Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut. Kobayashi revolutionized competitive eating in 2001 by eating 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes, shattering the previous record of 25.5. Chestnut, the current king, holds the record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021. The women’s division, introduced in 2011, has been dominated by Miki Sudo, who ate 51 hot dogs in 2024.
What to Expect at the 2025 Contest
The contest is a 10-minute race where competitors eat as many Nathan’s Famous hot dogs and buns as possible. Rules are strict: no condiments (sorry, no ketchup or mustard), though dunking buns in water is allowed to make them easier to swallow. Vomiting, or a “reversal of fortune,” leads to disqualification, and yellow cards can be issued for messy eating. Each eater gets a scorekeeper to tally their hot dogs, and plates of five hot dogs and buns are served at a time. Ties result in a five-hot-dog eat-off, with the fastest eater winning. The prizes? A $10,000 check, a shiny trophy, and either the mustard-yellow belt for men or the pink belt for women. The total purse is $40,000, split between the divisions.
This year, all eyes are on Joey Chestnut, who’s won 16 times and holds the world record. After his 2024 absence, his return is a big deal. Miki Sudo, with her record of six hot dogs in one minute, will defend her title against fierce competitors like Michelle Lesco. The stage will be packed with international talent from countries like Australia, Brazil, and Japan, making it a global showdown.
How to Experience the Contest
If you’re heading to Coney Island, take the D, F, N, or Q subway lines to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station—it’s right across from Nathan’s. No tickets are needed, but arrive early to beat the crowds. After the contest, stick around for Coney Island’s beach, boardwalk, or Luna Park rides, and catch the evening fireworks. If you’re watching from home, tune into ESPN2 for the men’s event or ESPN3 for the women’s. The ESPN app also offers contestant-specific cameras, like one focused on Miki Sudo.
Why It’s a Must-See
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest isn’t just about eating—it’s a celebration of human determination, quirky Americana, and pure entertainment. From George Shea’s theatrical introductions to the crowd chanting “Eat! Eat! Eat!,” the atmosphere is electric. Whether you’re rooting for Chestnut to reclaim his throne or Sudo to add another title, this event is a wild ride. Plus, it’s a chance to witness records being broken and history being made, all while enjoying the Fourth of July spirit.
So, mark your calendar for July 4, 2025, and get ready to cheer on the world’s top eaters as they chase glory, one hot dog at a time. Whether you’re at Coney Island or glued to your TV, this is one Independence Day tradition you won’t want to miss!
FAQs
- What time does the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest start?
The pre-show festivities begin at 10:00 AM ET, the women’s competition at 10:45 AM ET on ESPN3, and the men’s at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN2 on July 4, 2025. Re-airs are at 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET on ESPN, and 6:00 PM ET on ESPN2. - Where is the contest held?
It’s at Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant at Surf and Stillwell Avenues, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. Take the D, F, N, or Q subway to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. - Who are the top competitors to watch in 2025?
Joey Chestnut, with 16 titles, and Miki Sudo, with 10, are the ones to beat. Other names include Patrick Bertoletti (2024 men’s champ) and Michelle Lesco. - How can I watch if I’m not in New York?
Watch live on ESPN3 (women’s) or ESPN2 (men’s) via cable or the ESPN app with a TV provider login. Re-airs are available on ESPN and ESPN2. - What are the prizes for the winners?
First place in each division (men’s and women’s) gets $10,000, a trophy, and a belt (mustard-yellow for men, pink for women). The total purse is $40,000.