Major League Eating and Tootsie’s World Famous Honky Tonk Alley will host a regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest at 5 pm on Saturday, June 13, at the Tootsie’s World Famous Honky Tonk Alley in Nashville.
“We are seeking new talent in Nashville to represent our nation on the most patriotic day of the year,” said MLE Chair George Shea. “There is nothing more American than eating Nathan’s hot dogs on July 4 in Coney Island.”
The top male and female finishers for this event will qualify for a seat at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4, where they will face reigning champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo.
Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif. holds the current world record for eating 69 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes, and he will seek his ninth straight title in 2015—a world record. Miki Sudo of Las Vegas, Nev. will defend her title as female champion, having consumed 34 Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes in 2014.
In recent years, an estimated 35,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in person. The live telecast of the event has consistently attracted millions of viewers since ESPN first aired the contest in 2004.
“The launch of the annual hot dog-eating contest circuit signals the impending arrival of summer,” said Wayne Norbitz, president/ COO of Nathan’s Famous. “As we celebrate our 99th year, Nathan’s Famous is proud to be part of the American summer and all the enjoyment that it brings.”
According to legend, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest has occurred each July 4 in Coney Island, N.Y., since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and that safety standards are in place at each event.
Those interested in competing in the qualifier should visits to obtain information and register. All competitors must be over 18 years of age.
For additional information about Nathan’s visit their website at www.nathansfamous.com.
