Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest Event Information

The Greatest Eaters In The World Return To Coney Island!

Following a 13-event qualifying circuit conducted throughout the United States during the months of April, May and June, the greatest competitive eaters on earth will gather on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, on Friday, July 4, 2014 to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, an event that has been held each year since 1916, according to the archives.

A total of 16 men and 12 women are expected to compete in the finals. The women’s competition is scheduled to begin at 11:30AM; the men’s competition will start at 12:30PM and will be broadcast live on ESPN 2, and on ESPN at 2 pm following Wimbledon.

Last year, Joey Chestnut—the number-one-ranked eater in the world—set a new world record by consuming 69 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in front of a crowd of an estimated 40,000 fans. In the women’s competition, Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas ate 38 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Thomas set the world record in 2012 by consuming 45 HDBs.

The contest is free and open to the public. Pre-show festivities begin at 10:30AM and will feature varied entertainment including the Brooklyn Community Choir, the Heavenly Chillbillies blues band, the Skyriders, and rap performances by Eric “Badlands” Booker.

Fans planning to attend the contest may want to arrive early. For those on mass transit, take the subway—D, F, Q, N—to the final stop, Stillwell Avenue. Nathan’s Famous is across the street from the terminal. Those driving will want to take the Belt Parkway to Exit 6, Cropsey Avenue, and head south toward the water until you hit Surf Avenue. Take a left and you will see Nathan’s on the right at Stillwell Avenue.

Other attractions in Coney Island include the Cyclone, Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park.