The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from the iconic Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island. One of America’s most recognizable Independence Day traditions will once again feature the world’s top competitive eaters, including Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo.
Fans can watch both the men’s and women’s competitions live across ESPN platforms, with additional broadcast coverage on ABC.
Where to Watch Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026
The 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be televised across ESPN and ABC.
Women’s Competition
- Channel: ESPN App
- Start Time: 10:45 a.m. ET
The women’s championship will stream live on the ESPN App before the men’s competition begins.
Men’s Competition
- Channel: ESPN2
- Start Time: Noon ET
The men’s contest begins live at noon Eastern on ESPN2.
ABC Simulcast
- Channel: ABC
- Coverage Begins: 12:30 p.m. ET
ABC will simulcast the latter portion of the men’s competition beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Replay Information
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN2
Fans who miss the live event can catch a replay later in the afternoon on ESPN2.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026 Schedule
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Location: Nathan’s Famous, Coney Island
- Women’s Competition: 10:45 a.m. ET
- Men’s Competition: Noon ET
- ABC Simulcast: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Replay: 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Weather Forecast for the Event
The forecast for Coney Island calls for mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching the low-to-mid 90s, creating hot conditions for both competitors and spectators during the Fourth of July tradition.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026 Field
The 2026 contest features many of competitive eating’s biggest names, led by returning champion Joey Chestnut on the men’s side and multiple-time champion Miki Sudo in the women’s competition.
Men’s Field
- Joey Chestnut
- Patrick Bertoletti
- James Webb
- Nick Wehry
- Max Stanford
- Radim Dvoracek
Women’s Field
- Miki Sudo
- Michelle Lesco
- Domenica Dee
- Tandra Childress
- Katie Prettman
- Larell Marie Mele
Joey Chestnut Returns to Headline the Event
After once again entering the field, Joey Chestnut headlines the men’s competition as he looks to add another Mustard Belt to his legendary résumé. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo returns as the favorite after establishing herself as the dominant force in women’s competitive eating.
With large crowds expected in Coney Island and millions watching nationwide, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest remains one of the most anticipated Fourth of July sporting traditions in the United States. Fans can tune in beginning at 10:45 a.m. ET on the ESPN App for the women’s contest before switching to ESPN2 at noon ET for the men’s competition, with ABC joining the live coverage at 12:30 p.m. ET.