The famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is back for its 2018 edition.
The annual competitive eating challenge, pitting the world's top professional eaters in Major League Eating against each other, is slated for its usual Fourth of July date at the Nathan's Famous Corporation original restaurant located at Coney Island.
MORE: Photos from previous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contests
Ten-time champion Joey Chestnut will be back to defend his crown once more after last year's record finish of 72 hot dogs consumed.
Chestnut will face some tough competition, with the likes of Matt Stonie and Carmen Cincotti attempting to steal away the mustard belt.
On the women's side, Miki Sudo is coming off her fourth consecutive victory and looks to be the clear favorite on Independence Day.
Below you can find everything you need to know for the 2018 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.
When is Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The annual competitive hot dog eating contest takes place on the Fourth of July each year at Coney Island at the original Nathan's restaurant. The women's competition starts things off at 11 a.m. ET with the men's to follow at 12:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Coverage for the event begins at 10:50 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men's contest coverage follows on ESPN2 at noon ET. The men's competition will also be aired again at 4 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. You can also stream the action online at WatchESPN.com and on the WatchESPN app.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest rules
Major League Eating has sanctioned the competition since 1997. These are the rules for the contest:
- Only entrants under contract with MLE can compete.
- The field consists of 20 competitors made up of the defending champ, regional qualifiers and any wild card qualifiers.
- The contestant to consume the most hot dogs with buns in 10 minutes is the winner.
- Contestants can use any beverage to help (most use water).
- Contestants have a designated scorer to keep track of their hot dog count.
- Partial hot dogs count.
- Hot dogs still in a contestants mouth after time runs out count as long as they are eventually swallowed.
- If a contestant vomits it results in disqualification.
- Ties go to an eat-off decided by whoever finishes five hot dogs quicker.
