The borough’s most iconic Fourth of July tradition is set to return to Coney Island next month as competitive eating legends Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo prepare to defend their titles at the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Championship.
The annual, frankly one-of-a-kind, spectacle will take place July 4 outside the Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues, where thousands of spectators are expected to gather for one of the world’s most recognizable summer events.
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Championship has been held in Coney Island every Independence Day since 1916, the year founder Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. More than a century later, the contest remains one of Brooklyn’s most enduring summer traditions, drawing fans from across the globe for a red-hot celebration of competition and America.
Chestnut reclaimed the coveted Mustard Belt in 2025 after consuming 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. This year, he aims to break his world record of 76 hot dogs and buns. In the women’s competition, Sudo continued her reign by eating 33 hot dogs and buns, while also holding the women’s world record of 51.
This year, both champions will face off against elite competitive eaters from around the U.S. and the globe in front of a live Coney Island crowd and national television audience.
“Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest remains one of our nation’s most beloved holiday traditions,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous. “Every July 4th, Coney Island becomes the center of the American summer celebration, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from around the world back to Surf and Stillwell.”
Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with live music and dance performances ahead of the competitions. The women’s championship is set to start at 11 a.m., followed by the men’s contest at 12:30 p.m.
The event also continues a longstanding charitable tradition, where Nathan’s Famous donates 100,000 hot dogs to Food Bank For New York City.
The 2026 contest will also introduce a new partnership with the Chinet brand, which joins the event as an official partner and will provide plates for the competition.
George Shea, chair of Major League Eating, said the event continues to hold a unique place in American culture and competitive sports.
“The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world,” said Shea. “We look forward to watching the greatest eaters compete once again on the most celebrated stage in international sports.”
