Top-ranked competitive eaters from across the globe gathered at Hudson Yards on Friday for the official weigh-in ceremony ahead of Saturday's 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York.
The annual event features 17-time champion Joey Chestnut defending his title alongside 11-time women's champion Miki Sudo.
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Competitors from 18 states and countries including England, Czechia, and Australia will participate.
New Ownership and Betting Odds
This year marks the first competition since Smithfield Foods acquired Nathan's Famous in an all-cash $450 million deal in January.
The packaged meat giant previously stated that the historic televised event would continue.
Defending men's champion Chestnut enters the tournament as a heavy favorite to retain his crown.
Betting expert Matt Severance told SportsLine that he backs Chestnut to consume under 72.5 hot dogs, noting that the champion has not surpassed that specific threshold since setting the world record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 2021.
Chestnut consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns within the 10-minute time limit last year.
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His closest competitor, Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago, finished second last year with 46.5 hot dogs after previously winning the 2024 title by eating 58.
In the women's division, defending champion Sudo remains the favorite after securing her 11th title last year with 33 hot dogs.
Sudo currently holds the women's world record of 51 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
The event is scheduled to air live on ESPN networks on Saturday, with the women's division streaming on ESPN+ at 10:45 a.
m. ET and the men's division broadcasting on ESPN2 at 12 p.
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m. ET.
