The Sporting Day: Nathan's World Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition

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The Sporting Day: Nathan’s World Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition

It is as traditional as the World Series and as American as apple pie. Nathan’s World Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition, an event of patriotism and amazement and unparalleled athletic gluttony.

Legend has it that Nathan’s World Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest dates back to 1916 when, in a touching act of patriotism, four recently arrived immigrants challenged each other to see who loved America more. The four headed to Coney Island and made their way to Nathan’s. After twelve minutes, James Mullen had eaten 13 dogs to be declared the winner. A tradition and a sport was born.

On nearly every July 4 since, in deference to the true Americanism of the motivations which spawned the first contest, Nathan’s has played host to the most renowned eating contest in the world.

As the years past, the contest drew more interest and greater publicity. And, of course, the bar for hot dog eating was constantly raised. In 1978, the “magical” 15 hot dog barrier, back then at any rate, was charged through by Walter Paul, who knocked back 17 dogs in 12 minutes. Italian Luis Llamas broke this record with 19 ½ in 1983 though this record has never been confirmed, another strand to the myth. There was Frank Dellarosa, who set the mark at 21 ½ in 1991. 1993 and the first qualifiers were run and the iconic Mike Devito won his third mustard yellow belt, a coveted prize of “unknown age and value”. In 1997 the Japanese wave hit when Hirofumi Nakajima took the prize for Japan. America has won only one since; 1999 when Steve Keiner controversially took the prize. In 2001 a legend came to the forefront of professional eating when “The Tsunami”, Japanese legend Takeru Kobayashi won his first crown. He has not lost a Nathan’s contest since, knocking back an astonishing 50 in 2001 and the mustard yellow belt currently resides at the Imperial Palace in the heart of Japan.

The title may not stay in Japan much longer, however. This year, a new challenger has emerged and a nation awaits with a crowd of 30,000 expected to be in live attendance and another 15 million expected to watch when ESPN airs the contest live around the world. The man who holds the hopes of a nation is Joey Chestnut, the 23 year old eating prodigy from San Jose. Chestnut has taken the world of professional eating by storm, holding records in the asparagus, chicken wings (both short and long form!), gyoza, pork ribs, waffles and grilled cheese sandwich disciplines. Less than a month ago, the man they call “Jaws” broke Kobayashi’s once thought unbeatable world record when he downed 59 ½ dogs.

The world of speed eating, controlled by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, has been buzzing with anticipation for this, the thought of a new champion thrilling plenty.

Things are looking even grimmer for Kobayashi with reports circulating the Japanese eating machine is suffering from a jaw injury that may hamper his title defense. Much comment has been made on the Kobayashi injury with many saying the injury could be career ending while others claim the injury is nothing more than a stunt designed to throw Chestnut off his game and maintain the spotlight of public attention.

With Kobayashi reportedly off his game, it may be wise to hit The Field against him. $1.75 is available with Bet24. The Over 53.5 hot dogs for the winner also looks like a bet with the recent form of Chestnut suggesting the tally could get to 60.

This is competition at its enthralling, disgusting best. Enjoy.