Champion eater Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island to seek a new world record at the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship on Saturday, July 4, 2026. As Major League Eating stated in their release promoting the event, the annual contest, an American holiday tradition, will once again be held at the iconic Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island.
Last Year Was Epic, but this Year Could Break Records
Last year’s contest delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in the history of competitive eating. After a brief ban left him out of the 2024 battle, Joey Chestnut reclaimed the Mustard Belt with a staggering performance of 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, reminding the world why he remains the greatest eater of all time. This year, Chestnut has publicly stated that he’s going to try to break his own record of 76 while on the eating stage.
Meanwhile, Miki Sudo continued her dynasty on the women’s side with 33 hot dogs and buns (her record is 51), and she is also set to return for this year’s competition. Fans packed Coney Island and millions tuned in around the world to the ESPN broadcast to witness a Fourth of July spectacle unlike any other.
Schedule of Events
On July 4, 2026, the world’s top male and female eaters from across America and around the globe will once again gather in Brooklyn to challenge Chestnut and Sudo. Pre-show festivities begin at 10:00 a.m., featuring live musical and dance performances. The women’s competition begins at 11:00 a.m., and the men’s competition starts at 12:30 p.m. Nathan’s Famous will also continue its annual charitable tradition by donating 100,000 Nathan’s Famous hot dogs to the Food Bank For New York City prior to the event.
This year, the men’s contest will simulcast on ABC beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET as part of the Disney Celebrates America initiative. Coverage will begin at Noon on ESPN2 with a re-air at 4 p.m. ET also on ESPN2.
Nathan’s 250 Hot Dog Challenge
But that’s not all! To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Nathan’s has come up with “Nathan’s 250 Hot Dog Challenge,” a nationwide charitable campaign in which top competitive eaters – like Chestnut, Sudo, and Badlands Booker – eat 10 hot dogs on social media to promote Nathan’s special USO packs. The goal is to try to get people to buy the limited-edition packs, where the proceeds support the USO.
“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” said Shea. “We look forward to watching the greatest eaters compete once again on the most celebrated stage in international sports.”
The Nathan’s Famous Hot-Dog Eating History
Thousands make the pilgrimage to Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island each year to witness the spectacle in person. According to Major League Eating archives, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Championship has been held each July 4th in Coney Island since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sports, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures contests are judged professionally and conducted under strict safety standards.
“Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest remains one of our nation’s most beloved holiday traditions,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous. “Every July 4th, Coney Island becomes the center of the American summer celebration, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from around the world back to Surf and Stillwell.”
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Photo Credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com
