July 4 Resource Center

Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Hot dog Eating Contest

Six-time world champion Takeru Kobayashi of Japan will return to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 to defend his world championship title at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Kobayashi has significant competition this year in the form of Joey Chestnut, an American eater who set a new world record by consuming 59.5 Nathan's Famous HDBs to qualify in Tempe on June 2.

At stake is possession of the Coveted Mustard Yellow International Belt, the World Cup of competitive eating, and $20,000 in total prize money.

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating contest is sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) and sponsored by Heinz.

Media and Fan Details

The show that accompanies the event will begin at 11:00 am, and the 12-minute eating competition will begin at 12:40 pm. ESPN has exclusive live broadcast rights to the event from 12 noon to 1 pm.

Directions

Those seeking to attend or cover the event should take the F or N train to Stillwell Avenue, or take the Belt parkway to Cropsey Avenue, Exit 6, then follow Cropsey Avenue south to Surf Avenue and take a left. Nathan’s is located at 1310 Surf Avenue at Stillwell.