The Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. This year promises a new chapter as Joey Chestnut, the 16-time champion, sits out due to an exclusivity dispute. But fear not, hot dog enthusiasts! The competition remains wide open, and a new champion is poised to be crowned.
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Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: Meet the Competitors
On the women’s side, the reigning champion, Miki Sudo, seeks to extend her incredible record of nine titles. However, challengers like Michelle Lesco are also in the mix to unseat her from her throne.
The men’s competition is brimming with hungry contenders. Geoffrey Esper, currently ranked number two in the world, is the favorite according to betting odds. With three consecutive second-place finishes to Chestnut, Esper is hungry for victory.
Hot on Esper’s heels are James Webb (2023 third-place finisher), known for his consistent performances, and Patrick Bertoletti and Nick Wehry, both with impressive track records. Looking for a longshot? Keep an eye on King Yamamoto and Gideon Oji, who could surprise everyone.
It will be strange without Joey Chestnut in the mix, but with the top three competitors all fairly close to each other (at least in the way of their personal bests), we could see an exciting finish for the first time in many, many years.
Witness History Unfold: TV Schedule and Live Stream
Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 4th, 2024. The competition kicks off with the women’s competition at 10:45 AM ET, followed by the highly anticipated men’s competition at noon ET.
Don’t miss a single bite! Here’s how to catch all the action live:
- Tune in to ESPN: Witness the intense competition, the cheering crowds, and the impressive feats of competitive eating from the comfort of your couch.
- Live Stream Options: Depending on your cable or streaming service provider, you can access the live stream through the ESPN app or popular services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV (if they carry ESPN in their channel lineup).
Get Ready to be Gobsmacked!
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is a guaranteed good time. Whether you’re rooting for a specific competitor or simply enjoy the outrageous display of competitive eating, watching live is the best way to experience the excitement. So grab your favorite snacks and drinks, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the world’s best hot dog devourers!
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