News & Updates

Grub Tub at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Published: Monday, 26 June 2017 18:20

History

According to a legend, on July 4th, 1916, four immigrants held a hot dog eating contest at Nathan's Famous stand on Coney Island to settle an argument about who was the most patriotic. Since then it is held each year on Independence Day at Nathan's Famous Corporation's original, and best-known restaurant in Coney Island, NY.

Back to back champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut

Rise of popularity

The contest has gained public attention in recent years due to the stardom of Takeru Kobayashi and of course, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, who is the current champion (9-time Champion), at 70 hot dogs in the 2016 championship. The competitors stand on a raised platform behind a long table with drinks and Nathan's Famous hot dogs in buns. Most contestants have water on hand, but other kinds of drinks can be used. The hot dogs are allowed to cool slightly after grilling to prevent possible mouth burns and the contestant that consumes the most hod dogs and buns in ten minutes is declared the winner.

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi

The "bejeweled" belts

The winner of the men's competition is given possession of the coveted international "bejeweled" mustard-yellow belt, and the belt is of "unknown age and value" according to IFCOCE co-founder George Shea. In 2011, Sonya Thomas won the inaugural women's competition and its "bejeweled" pink belt. Starting in 2007, cash prizes have been awarded to the top finishers.

We're proud to say that this year we will see the Grub Tub on the stage in front of the contesters which are chasing the "bejeweled" mustard-yellow and pink belts.