There will be plenty of hot dogs on grills on the Fourth of July, but perhaps none more so than at Coney Island.
Coney Island has hosted the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest nearly every year since 1972 at the original Nathan's.
Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, partly due to the dominance of two of the greatest diners of all time.
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This view shows Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2022, at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Takeru Kobayashi has broken the world record for the most hot dogs eaten in 12 minutes, nearly doubling the previous record of 25.5.
It was Kobayashi's first of six consecutive titles, but he was dethroned by Joey Chestnut in 2007.
Chestnut broke the record by eating 66 hot dogs and biscuits, starting a dominant streak. He went on to win every competition until Matt Stonie beat him in 2015.
But Chestnut regained the crown the following year and has won every year since.
This year, however, there will be a new champion because Chestnut will not be at Coney Island.
Last month, Chestnut signed a brand partnership agreement with Nathan's rival Impossible Foods. Major League Eating ruled that as long as Chestnut was associated with a Nathan's rival, he would not be allowed to compete.
Joey Chestnut is shown after winning the 2021 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman/File)
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Even though Chestnut said he hoped something would work out, nothing did, hence the reason Chestnut will not be in New York.
However, he will compete in another hot dog eating contest in El Paso, Texas, which will air live at 5 p.m. ET, nearly five hours after Nathan's contest ends.
With Chestnut out of the race, sportsbooks say it will be a four-man race between Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, Nick Wehry and Patrick Bertoletti. Esper is the favorite at -110, while Webb is +140, Wehry +300 and Bertoletti +600.
Joey Chestnut holds up his championship belt during a game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals at Sanford Stadium on September 9, 2023, in Athens, Georgia. (Brandon Sloter/Image of Sport/Getty Images)
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The goal is simple: eat as many hot dogs (and buns) as you can in 10 minutes (in 2008, the time was increased from 12 to 10). Win and get $10,000.
Condiments, water, and other beverages are allowed to facilitate eating, although condiments are generally not preferred.
The contest will air on ESPN and begin at noon (Eastern Time).
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