Who won the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2023
The 2023 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on July 4 at Coney Island, New York, was won by Joey Chestnut. He ate 78 regular-style hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, securing his seventh title at the event. The women’s division was won by Miki Sudo, who ate 46 hot dogs and buns. Both results reflect established high-level performances in the sport of competitive eating, with records documented by Major League Eating (MLE) and widely reported by official event sources and media.
2024 update: status and context as of mid-2024
As of mid-2024, the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has not yet taken place; the event is traditionally held on July 4 each year. Therefore, the most recent completed contest remains the 2023 edition, with Joey Chestnut (men) and Miki Sudo (women) as champions. Organizers typically announce dates, ticket details, and broadcast information in the months leading up to July 4. Check the official Nathan’s and Major League Eating channels for confirmation when the 2024 event is scheduled.
How champions are decided: rules and format
Contestants compete to eat the most hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Each hot dog must be fully swallowed; bun dips are allowed but do not count toward the total. Officials count and verify totals, with judges confirming submitted counts. The competitor with the highest verified count wins. The contest follows standardized rules from Major League Eating to ensure fairness, consistency, and safety across competitions.
Key rule points
- 10-minute time limit
- Fully swallowed hot dogs and buns count; dipped buns do not add to the total
- Verification by judges and official counters
- Major League Eating rulebook governs conduct and tiebreak procedures
Notable champions and records at Nathan’s
Over the years, Nathan’s has seen repeated champions establishing long dominance in their divisions. Joey Chestnut holds the most men’s titles at the event, while Miki Sudo leads the women’s side. The table below summarizes the most recent verified winners and their totals from the 2023 contest, the latest completed event.
| Division | Champion | Hot Dogs & Buns Consumed | Year | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s | Joey Chestnut | 78 | 2023 | Major League Eating / Event results |
| Women’s | Miki Sudo | 46 | 2023 | Major League Eating / Event results |
Training and preparation for the contest
Competitive eaters train with volume eating, jaw-strengthening exercises, and pacing strategies. Many practice water training to expand stomach capacity safely and work on efficient chewing and swallowing techniques. Nutritionists and coaches often guide contestants to balance strength training with weight management, as excess weight can hinder performance. Training intensity ramps up in the weeks before major events like Nathan’s, focusing on endurance and reliability under timed conditions.
History and cultural significance of Nathan’s eating contest
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest began in 1916 and became an annual tradition in 1972. It is widely regarded as the premier hot dog eating competition, drawing top eaters from around the world. The event helped popularize competitive eating as a sport and remains a centerpiece of Coney Island’s July 4 celebrations. Its long history, consistent format, and clear rules contribute to its enduring appeal and credibility as a benchmark for performance in the field.
Predictions and what to watch for in future contests
While predictions are speculative, past performance, training intensity, and rule changes are key indicators of who may perform best. Fans typically watch for increases in total hot dogs consumed, close finishes, and new records. When the next contest occurs, official Major League Eating coverage will provide real-time results, verified counts, and post-event analysis. Until then, the 2023 champions remain the most recent verified winners of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.