Nathan’s Famous annual hot dog eating contest returns to Coney Island Saturday, on the United States’ 250th birthday, following a tumultuous year for the annual event and its star competitor.
The iconic contest, now under new ownership after Nathan’s Famous was sold to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods in January, will see reigning champion Joey Chestnut compete despite a recent legal entanglement.
Chestnut, who holds the men’s record, pleaded guilty in April to a misdemeanor battery charge after being accused of slapping a man in an Indiana bar.
However, the frankfurter fest will proceed, with Chestnut and Miki Sudo both poised to defend their titles in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Competitors in the renowned event have 10 minutes to consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible, often dunking the wieners in water to facilitate swallowing.
Sudo, an 11-time winner, holds the women’s record with 51 dogs. Chestnut, a 17-time “Mustard Belt” holder, boasts the men’s record of 76 franks.
Despite being on probation for the battery case, Chestnut has been granted permission to travel outside Indiana.
His lawyer stated the incident was a misunderstanding and that Chestnut accepted responsibility for his actions. Major League Eating, the organizer overseeing the Nathan’s Famous contest, confirmed that the criminal case did not impact Chestnut’s eligibility.
The long-standing competition, which began in 1972, takes place annually in front of the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant in New York’s Coney Island.
Miki Sudo and the women will compete at 10:45 a.m. ET while Joey Chestnut and the men take the stage around 12:30 p.m. ET.
