Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is finally here

July 2, 2018 By Gordon Walker Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

AP Photo/Michael Noble Jr.

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Coney Island eagerly awaits its most famous annual event, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

This Fourth of July, which is Wednesday, fans worldwide will once again tune into ESPN or make their way down to the famous boardwalk to see the gluttonous spectacle.

To participate in the contest, frankfurter gobblers must first qualify in regional tests to reach the final stage. Contestants have 10 minutes exactly to see how many dogs they can stuff their face with and win the coveted “Mustard Belt.”

Major League Eating organizes the competition and makes sure the rules of this serious competition are respected. Judges can give out yellow cards for messy eating, which gives competitors an advantage as they can start on the next dog. Competitors are also disqualified if they throw up, according to Brooklyn Patch.

The competition is divided in two for males and females. Last year’s winner Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, a ten-time champion, downed an incredible 72 dogs. His female counterpart, Miki Sudo, ousted her challengers with 41 dogs, winning her fourth title.

In more hot dog news, Brooklynites can get free franks all summer long at Brooklyn Bridge Park.