Watch Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from ESPN is an annual event that takes place in Coney Island, New York every Fourth of July. It is one of the most anticipated sports events of the year, drawing thousands of spectators who come to witness the world's top competitive eaters battle it out for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt.

The contest is organized by Nathan's Famous, a fast food chain that specializes in hot dogs. Founded in 1916, the company has since become a household name, and its flagship store in Coney Island has become an iconic landmark.

The contest itself is a 10-minute affair, in which contestants must consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible. The rules are simple: the hot dogs must be eaten whole, and the buns must be dipped in water to make them easier to swallow. The winner is the person who eats the most hot dogs and buns within the time limit.

Over the years, the contest has seen some of the greatest competitive eaters in the world, including Joey Chestnut, who holds the record for the most hot dogs eaten in the contest with 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Chestnut, who is known as the "Nathan's King," has won the contest 13 times, cementing his status as a legend in the world of competitive eating.

Another notable competitor is Kobayashi Takeru, who dominated the contest in the early 2000s, setting a number of records before being banned from the event in 2010 due to a contract dispute. Kobayashi, who is from Japan, is a fan favorite for his unique eating style, in which he breaks the hot dogs in half before eating them.

The contestants are not the only stars of the show, however. The contest is also known for its colorful commentators, who provide play-by-play analysis of the action, and its raucous crowd, who cheer on their favorite competitors with chants and cheers.

One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest came in 2018, when Chestnut and his rival, Carmen Cincotti, battled it out in a nail-biting finish that saw Chestnut emerge as the winner by just one hot dog.

Whether you are a fan of competitive eating, a lover of hot dogs, or simply looking for some Fourth of July entertainment, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is not to be missed. With its larger-than-life personalities, intense competition, and festive atmosphere, it is truly one of the most unique and exciting sports events of the year.