The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest: History, Culture & Joey Chestnut

Each Fourth of July, Coney Island’s Nathan’s Famous becomes the epicenter of one of America’s most iconic—and outrageous—food traditions: the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. Here’s a deep dive into the contest’s origin, cultural impact, and the jaw-dropping dominance of Joey Chestnut.

Origins & Evolution

Legendary Beginnings (1916)
The contest’s mythic origin story traces back to July 4, 1916, when Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker purportedly hosted an impromptu hot-dog‑eating challenge among four fellow immigrants “to see who was the most American” at his Coney Island stand.

Formal Competition Emerges (1972–1979)
The first documented event took place in 1972 at Surf and Stillwell, evolving into an annual spectacle by the late ’70s with a 10-minute timed format formalized in 1979.

TV Fame & Fan Expansion
Televised since 2003 (ESPN), the contest transformed from roadside sideshow to primetime spectacle, now drawing tens of thousands on-site and millions watching live.

Cultural Phenomenon

American Tradition
As fireworks and burgers define July 4, hot-dog‑eating has cemented itself as a cornerstone—“uniquely American,” uniting all walks of life in a shared, indulgent ritual.

Competitive Eating’s Showcase
The contest mirrors elite athletics—frantic pacing, technique (“Carlene Pop”, “Juliet-ing”), and intense preparation. Participants follow strict regimens: fasts, liquid diets, stretching, and mental piloting.

Legends & Rivalries
Takeru Kobayashi shattered records in the early 2000s, prompting a new era. His rivalry with Joey Chestnut captivated global attention, dramatically boosting the contest’s profile.

Joey Chestnut – The Dominant Champion

Early Reign
Joey Chestnut won his first Nathan’s title in 2007, beginning a reign that would see him claim 17 titles in 20 appearances. He holds the current record—76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, set in 2021.

Iconic Wins
In 2018, Chestnut devoured 74 dogs, breaking his own record. In 2023, despite weather delays, he secured his 16th title with 62 hot dogs

Absence & Return
A contractual dispute in 2024 sidelined Chestnut, as he aligned with Impossible Foods—a competing hot‐dog brand. He returned in 2025 with an exclusive deal with Nathan’s, aiming to reclaim his title

Athlete or Showman?
Chestnut blends brute ability with charisma. The Washington Post dubbed him “the best there ever was,” noting how his consistency elevated the contest into more “athletic” territory

The Contest Experience

Rules & Techniques
Contestants get 10 minutes to choke down as many hot dogs as possible. Techniques include dunking buns in water, pacing strategies, and signature moves like “Carlene Pop.” Cheaters are called out for tossing buns (aka “Juliet-ing”)

Defending the Tradition
The Mustard Belt is as coveted as any sports trophy, passed on each year in a flamboyant ceremony. Hidden scandals—like Kobayashi’s post‑contest protest in 2010—have only fueled public interest

Why We Watch