A classic Fourth of July tradition takes place on Saturday when the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest descends upon Coney Island. Joey Chestnut will look to capture the Mustard Belt for the 18th time, while Miki Sudo will aim to win the contest for the 11th time on the women’s side.
On the men’s side, Chestnut set the record with 76 hot dogs eaten in 2021. On the other hand, Sudo set the women’s record with 51 hot dogs and buns in 2024. Both are back for more in the 2026 contest.
Below, we’ll provide competitive eating fans with all of the necessary information for how to watch the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, as well as projections for some of the top participants.
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When Is the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been an annual Fourth of July tradition since 1967; as such, it takes place on Saturday, July 4, at Coney Island.
The 2026 Hot Dog Contest features both men’s and women’s competitions. The Women's Hot Dog Eating Contest coverage begins at 10:45 a.m. ET, with the contest starting at 11 a.m. ET, live in the ESPN App.
The Men's Hot Dog Eating Contest will start at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will be simulcast on ABC. It will re-air at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
How Long Is the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Both the men’s and women’s contests last 10 minutes before all contestants must put their dogs down. The contestant who finishes the most hot dogs and buns within that time frame will be crowned as the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion.
The women's champion wins a Pink Mustard Belt, while the Men's champion wins a Mustard Belt.
How to Watch the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Coverage of the women's competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET in the ESPN App, with the women's contest starting at 11 a.m. ET. Coverage of the men's contest will begin on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET, with the contest starting at 12:30 p.m. ET
The 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN2. For those that missed watching the event live, the contest will be re-aired at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
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2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Contestants: Men's & Women's
Find stats for all of the Hot Dog Eating Contest contestants here.
Men’s Hot Dog Eating Projections (via PrizePicks)
- Joey Chestnut (71.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Patrick Bertoletti (52.74 hot dogs eaten)
- James Webb (48.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Geoffrey Esper (45.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Nick Wehry (43.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Max Stanford (36.26 hot dogs eaten)
- Gideon Oji (33.25 hot dogs eaten)
- George Chiger (26.75 hot dogs eaten)
Women’s Projections (via PrizePicks)
Find more women's Hot Dog Eating Contest stats here before you make your picks.
- Miki Sudo (38.25 hot dogs eaten)
- Michelle Lesco (23.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Tandra Childress (15.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Katie Prettyman (13.75 hot dogs eaten)
- Larell Marie Mele (13.75 hot dogs eaten)
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Make 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Predictions on PrizePicks
The Fourth of July has arrived, and that means the competitive eating world will take center stage on Coney Island with the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Joey Chestnut is back to defend his 2025 Mustard Belt and claim his 18th title at the contest, while Miki Sudo will try to win the women’s contest for the fifth consecutive year.
As we near the holy grail of competitive eating on Independence Day, you can make predictions on the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on PrizePicks.
Just pick More or Less on hot dogs eaten for the top competitors in this year’s field, and you can win real money with your predictions. Projections are live now all the way up until the contest on the Fourth of July on the HOTDOG board.
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