Nathan's Season Begins

Nathan's Famous has launched the 2003 competitive hot dog eating circuit, a series of nationwide qualifying events to locate gustatory athletes with the skill, determination and spirit to represent the United States at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which, according to archives, has been held each year since 1916 on July 4th in Coney Island, NY.

Last Year, Takeru Kobayashi of Japan broke his own record by eating 50 ½ hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes in the July 4 contest. Kobayashi, widely considered the greatest athlete in the world, will return to defend his title this year.

The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is sponsored by French's® Mustard, Orbitz.com, and BetWWTS.com.

The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest is held each year on July 4 at the original Nathan's Famous location at Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, NY. An official weigh-in and certification ceremony is held at New York City Hall on July 3. The Nathan's Famous hot dog eating circuit is making stops in June in Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, New York, Norfolk, Miami and other cities. Sign up for contests here.