The 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is about more than bragging rights and the coveted Mustard Belt. The annual Fourth of July tradition also offers a $40,000 total prize purse, with equal prize money awarded to both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Competitive eating’s biggest stars, including Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, will battle not only for championships but also for a share of the cash prizes at the iconic Nathan’s Famous Restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026 Prize Money
The total purse for the 2026 contest is $40,000, split evenly between the men’s and women’s divisions.
Each division awards prize money to the top three finishers.
Men’s Prize Money
| Finish | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $10,000 |
| 2nd Place | $5,000 |
| 3rd Place | $2,500 |
Women’s Prize Money
| Finish | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | $10,000 |
| 2nd Place | $5,000 |
| 3rd Place | $2,500 |
Equal Prize Money for Men and Women
Nathan’s Famous and Major League Eating continue to award identical prize money to both the men’s and women’s champions. Each winner takes home $10,000, while second and third place finishers receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.
The remaining portion of each division’s purse is allocated toward additional event-related payouts and competition expenses.
Joey Chestnut Headlines the Men’s Field
After returning to the competition, Joey Chestnut once again enters as the favorite in the men’s contest. The 16-time champion is looking to add another Mustard Belt to his legendary résumé while chasing another $10,000 first-place prize.
He’ll face a competitive field that includes defending champion Patrick Bertoletti, James Webb, Nick Wehry, Max Stanford, and Radim Dvoracek.
Miki Sudo Seeks Another Women’s Title
On the women’s side, Miki Sudo remains the dominant force in competitive eating and is favored to capture another championship.
She’ll compete against Michelle Lesco, Domenica Dee, Tandra Childress, Katie Prettman, and Larell Marie Mele for the women’s Mustard Belt and the $10,000 winner’s prize.
When Is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
The 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place on Saturday, July 4, outside the iconic Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York.
- Women’s Competition: 10:45 a.m. ET (ESPN App)
- Men’s Competition: Noon ET (ESPN2)
- ABC Simulcast: Begins at 12:30 p.m. ET
- Replay: 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2
FAQs
How much does the winner of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest get?
Both the men’s and women’s champions receive $10,000 for winning the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
What is the total prize pool?
The contest features a $40,000 total purse, divided equally between the men’s and women’s competitions.
Does the women’s winner receive the same prize money?
Yes. The men’s and women’s divisions each award $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place.
Who are the favorites to win?
Joey Chestnut is the favorite in the men’s competition, while Miki Sudo enters as the favorite in the women’s division as both seek another Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest title.