Times Square to host qualifying event for Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest
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NEW YORK (PIX11) — With summer approaching, one of New York City’s most unique traditions is just around the corner; the Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog contest is just 50 days away.
To prepare for the more than 100-year-old tradition, Times Square will hold one of the qualifying events on Friday.
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“Each May and June, the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit travels the nation signaling the most highly anticipated day of the year,” said Phil McCann, vice president of marketing at Nathan’s Famous. “We are excited to visit New York City to host an official qualifying event and to find champions to represent our nation alongside the world’s most accomplished eaters at the 2024 Nathan’s Famous International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
The qualifying event starts at noon on Friday and will take place in the Times Square Plaza on Broadway and 46th Street, officials said. The top male and female finishers at the event will make their way to Coney Island for their chance to take home the coveted Mustard Belt on July 4.
The annual hot dog eating contest draws competitors from England, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and Australia, according to Major League Eating.
Participants wanting to go head-to-head in an eating contest with Joey Chestnut and Miko Sudo, the 2023 winners, can visit this website for rules and registration information.
In 2023, Chestnut downed 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes, while Sudo forced down 39 1/2 hot dogs.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
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