Takeru Kobayashi of Japan will seek to regain his title as world eating champion, July 4, as he competes against American champion Joey Chestnut at the 93rd annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island.
In 2007, the world watched in awe as Joey Chestnut won this classic Independence Day battle, beating six-time champion Kobayashi by eating 66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes and bringing the Mustard Yellow Belt back to American soil for the first time this century. An estimated 40,000 fans attended the 2007 event, while millions watched live on television.
There is no cost to attend this event, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find a comfortable spot in the crowd. The contest will be telecast live on ESPN beginning at 12 p.m.
Pre-event activities will include live music by two bands, t-shirt giveaways, a trampoline act and a rap performance featuring Badlands Booker and rising star Akwafresh. Nathan’s Famous will also present the Food Bank For New York City with a 100,000 hot dog donation.
At 10 a.m. there is the pre-game show and performances; at 11 a.m., the introduction of eaters followed at noon by the contest.
For more, visit www.majorleagueeating.com or www.nathansfamous.com.
