Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025: Time, channel, prize - ESPN

Every Fourth of July, revelers look forward to barbecues, pool parties, parades, bonfires, county fairs, and fireworks. When it comes to patriotic activities, there's nothing quite as iconic as Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which has been a staple of the holiday for over 50 years. This year is extra special as it marks fan favorite Joey Chestnut's return to the event after a 2024 ban over a sponsorship with Impossible Foods.

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Who will take home mustard belts in the men's and women's divisions in 2025? Check out more fun facts about the tasty tradition below.

When and where is the 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest? How can fans watch?

As always, this year's festivities will be held on July 4. The event typically takes place outside the original Nathan's location in Coney Island near Brooklyn, New York. This year's full schedule features one-of-a-kind «cams» for top competitors Miki Sudo and Chestnut:

*All times Eastern

10:45 a.m. — Women's Contest — ESPN3

11 a.m. — Miki Sudo Cam — ESPN3

12 p.m. — Men's Contest — ESPN2

12:30 p.m. — Joey Chestnut Cam — ESPN3

5 p.m. — Main event re-airing

9 p.m. — Main event re-airing

What is the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog origin story?

Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker started the original hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1917.

What year did the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest start?

The first official and recorded Fourth of July contest took place in 1972 at Coney Island. Jason Schechter was the inaugural champion in the (at the time) mixed gender field.

What are the contest rules?

Major League Eating has managed the event since 1997. Currently, entrants have to be under contract by MLE to participate. In