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The exceptionally American tradition: History of Nathan's 4th of July hot dog eating contest

Joey Chestnut broke his own record in 2021, downing 76 hot dogs and buns; Miki Sudo is the contest's number-one-ranked woman.

ByAlex Meier KGO logo
Monday, July 3, 2023
History of Nathan's 4th of July hot dog eating contest
Few holiday traditions can be labeled as quintessentially American as the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

NEW YORK -- Few holiday traditions can be labeled as quintessentially American as the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

For generations, the annual 4th of July frankfurter fest happened outside Nathan's flagship shop in Brooklyn's Coney Island neighborhood. In 2022, the competition will return to the iconic corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues after a two-year hiatus from the traditional location due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joey Chestnut set a new world record Sunday as he ate 76 hot dogs to win his 14th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title.

What to know about the biggest day in stomach-centric sports, according to Nathan's Famous:

An American tradition

Elevated view along a table as contestants eat hot dogs during the 1987 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York, New York, July 4, 1987.
Elevated view along a table as contestants eat hot dogs during the 1987 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York, New York, July 4, 1987.
Walter Leporati/Getty Images
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