The Thrill of the Grill: Rules of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Fourth of July Feast

Every year on Independence Day, Coney Island becomes the epicenter of gastronomic competition as the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place. This esteemed event features some of the world's most formidable competitive eaters, who push their limits to consume as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes.

Rules to Respect

Participating in this legendary contest requires adherence to strict rules:

1. Hot Dog Etiquette

* Contestants are forbidden from using utensils to dip their hot dogs into condiments. * Bun must be attached to hot dog when it enters the competitor's mouth.

2. Timekeeping

* The contest lasts for an exact duration of 10 minutes. * Time is paused only if a medical emergency occurs.

3. Hydration and Support

* All fluid consumption must take place before or after the contest. * No outside assistance is permitted during the eating.

Champions of the Mustard Throne

Miki Sudo reigns supreme as the most successful female champion in contest history, with an astonishing eight Nathan's titles to her name. Notably, she holds the world record for consuming six hot dogs in a single minute. The men's division has been dominated by Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, who has won the contest an unprecedented 15 times. His legendary performance in 2020 involved devouring 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

The Spectacle of Coney Island

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has become a beloved Fourth of July tradition, drawing spectators from far and wide. The atmosphere is electric as the competitors battle it out for the coveted Mustard Belt, a symbol of their gluttonous prowess.