How Does Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest Actually Work?

By Norm Elrod
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which takes place in Coney Island, on the edge of New York City, is competitive eating’s biggest event of the year. Joey Chestnut, who ate 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes, is the reigning male champion. The legendary competitive eater has won the event 10 times and holds the hot dog-eating world record (73). Miki Sudo, who ate 41 hot dogs last year, is the defending female champion.
While the specta