There was plenty of rain — but not enough to rain on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest parade.
In a display of American perseverance, the show had to go on. Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo continued their dominance over fellow jaws and eaters everywhere, but it didn’t come without controversy and drama.
MORE: What happens inside an eater's body after the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Not even a weather delay can stop Joey Chestnut 😤
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2023
He downs 62 hot dogs to claim his 16th Mustard Belt 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PbcOkt1gVc
Sudo started the festivities on Coney Island by capturing her ninth belt by consuming 39-and-a-half hot dogs and buns — staving off challenger Mayoi Ebihara in a dramatic finish.
MIKI SUDO EATS 39.5 HOT DOGS TO CLAIM HER NINTH NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOG CONTEST‼️ pic.twitter.com/17ttquQZRY
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2023
The women’s contest required an official plate count in a race that was initially too close to call. But long after Sudo, Ebihara and internet sensation Elizabeth “Glizzy Lizzy” Salgado left the stage — storms ruled the Coney Island sky.
Spectators, competitors and reporters who relished the chance to be on the corner of Surf and Stillwell were caught in a confusing twist as reports surfaced saying the men’s contest was canceled. But the crowd remained and the contest went on — two hours later than scheduled.
Gray skies cleared up and, as usual, no one could "ketchup" to Chestnut who was unaffected by the delay. He managed to scoff down 62 hot dogs and buns, claiming another Mustard Belt in a competition he’s helped put on the map.
MORE: Watch the 2023 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest live on Fubo (free trial)
Chestnut told ESPN following the contest, "We were told it was canceled. We weren't sure if we were gonna eat today."
He later concluded the interview by saying he'd be on a liquid diet tonight. Heat and humidity might've hurt the final numbers, but America's eaters wouldn't be denied.
The Sporting News tracked live results from Tuesday's hot dog eating contest.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2023 results, winners
(All times Eastern)
2:58 p.m. — Here are the full results from the men's contest.
Men’s results:
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
1.Chestnut - 62
2.Esper - 49
3.Webb - 47
4.Wehry - 45
5.Weaver - 41
6.Oji - 36
7.Zosan - 29.75https://t.co/k7xhWjMode - 29.5
9.Thomas - 27.5
10.Morgan - 27
11.Moran - 26
12.Hendrickson - 25.75
13.Przybylowicz - 22
14.Hartman - 16
15.Conti - 15
2:28 p.m. — AND THERE'S THE BUZZER! Joey Chestnut downs 62 hot dogs and buns. He is victorious again for an eighth straight year!
2:27 p.m. — One minute to go! Chestnut can rest for the final 60 seconds and still win. A true dynasty on the Nathan's stage.
2:26 p.m. — Two minute warning! Chestnut's pace has slowed and the chance for a record is fading. Still, he's dominating the competition, as usual.
2:25 p.m. — Three minutes on the clock. An extra hungry Chestnut has scoffed down 50.
2:23 p.m. — Halfway home. Chestnut is on pace for a whopping 80 hot dogs. We might have a record breaking performance on our hands.
2:22 p.m. — After four minutes, Chestnut is up to 35 and might clear out Nathan's stock by the time he's finished.
2:20 p.m. — Two minutes in and Chestnut will not be denied. He's up to 20 hot dogs and buns.
This is peak performance 🌭😳 pic.twitter.com/SHQHM1wIfD
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2023
2:18 p.m. — And here we go. 10 minutes on the clock and the time starts — NOW!
Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest is KICKING OFF🌭🌭🌭 pic.twitter.com/QP3SAGM1Ek
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
2:18 p.m. — If you're on stage competing against Chestnut, good luck.
Joey Chestnut intro has you ready to run through a brick wall. Holy moly. Look of determination here. @joeyjaws pic.twitter.com/URu65TrNYy
— Jason Gross (@JasonMGro) July 4, 2023
2:15 p.m. — One commercial break separates Chestnut and many plates of hot dogs.
Joey Chestnut IS READY🌭 pic.twitter.com/4NQkufuArM
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
2:12 p.m. — It's time.
"It's going down baby! ... We're gonna go out there and pound some dogs."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2023
Joey Chestnut is ready to get underway after the weather delay 🌭 pic.twitter.com/gat8xjGMcV
2:04 p.m. — We are not messing around on Coney Island. Introductions are underway and the contest will begin shortly. It's go time.
2 p.m. — Get to a screen. Coverage is finally live on ESPN2 and the buildup to Chestnut's entry is underway.
1:56 p.m. — ESPN PR has confirmed the reports. Get those grills ready.
Programming Update: The 2023 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog-Eating Men's Competition will resume at 2p ET on ESPN2 🌭 https://t.co/5UkjxlB42q
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 4, 2023
1:54 p.m. — The stage is literally being set for the contest to begin, after crews started to operate as though cancelation was imminent.
The Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Contest has NOT been canceled. The men’s event will begin at 2 pm, hopefully. The stage is being set back up, but the crowd is much much much smaller. pic.twitter.com/WViVL2UBpb
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) July 4, 2023
1:46 p.m. — ESPN has announced that coverage of the contest begins at 2 p.m. ET. It's almost eating time!
1:45 p.m. — Will the show go on? According to CBS Sports, "Despite reports of the contest being canceled, NYPD media relations has told CBS Sports that as of 1:25 p.m. the department as not cancelled the contest and it's still in a weather related delay."
1:39 p.m. — If there was any doubt that Joey Chestnut still wants to compete, look no further. He's locked in and doesn't want to allow a thunderstorm to ruin the party on Coney Island.
Hear me out, I’m not saying the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is going to happen, but @joeyjaws just came out and said and I quote, “I’m gonna get the rest of the guys out and we’re gonna do this f***er.” #nathansfamous #ESPN pic.twitter.com/PhOTQGrKWv
— Kenneth Heasley (@HeasleyK13) July 4, 2023
1:35 p.m. — Meanwhile, MLE is still refusing to give any definitive information on the state of the contest. They are instead sharing video of Chestnut greeting the fans.
Joey Chestnut running to greet his fans #joeyjaw #JoeyChestnut #coneyisland pic.twitter.com/oDX0qCi4Uu
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
1:34 p.m. — Conflicting reports continue to surface as New York Times' reporter Liam Stack says security is saying the contest has been canceled.
Security staff at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest telling people the men’s event has been canceled. The stage and other performance areas look like they’re being dismantled right now. pic.twitter.com/7uIrUVX7Ah
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) July 4, 2023
1:15 p.m. — Still no confirmation from MLE, but Joey Chestnut and Badlands Booker are still hanging out during the storm.
Weathering the storm @joeyjaws and @BadlandsBooker pic.twitter.com/eH6UMPldg3
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
1:05 p.m. — If the event has been canceled, Badlands Booker sure doesn't seem disappointed. The lemonade chugging must go on!
Chugging with @BadlandsBooker during the storm pic.twitter.com/yRRWJBWasm
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
12:59 p.m. — ABC New York is reporting the men's contest has been canceled by the NYPD due to storms. Major League Eating or ESPN haven't confirmed the report.
#BreakingNews The men's contest at the Nathan's hot dog eating competition CANCELED due to weather https://t.co/OsXRh2QQsO
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) July 4, 2023
12:46 p.m. — Here's a look at the current weather on Coney Island, with fans taking cover from the downpours.
Here is a video of people standing on table tops on Coney Island to escape the torrential rain and gathering pools of water that have totally derailed the Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest pic.twitter.com/Gs7bpkQghC
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) July 4, 2023
12:39 p.m. — Elsewhere in New York, the Yankees aren't planning to have first pitch at 1:05 p.m. ET as previously scheduled. We might be here for a while.
Please be advised that we do not plan to start today's game on time. We will provide updates as we receive them.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 4, 2023
12:28 p.m. — Storms are persisting on Coney Island with some heavy rain and lightning in the area. Eventually, the weather will clear and hot dogs will be eaten.
Programming Update: The 2023 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest Men’s Competition is currently delayed due to inclement weather
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 4, 2023
🌭 Coverage continues on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/07UhDYDp8o
12:11 p.m. — Here's a look at the banner of doom that is appearing on screens across the country.
Ain't no way we got a lightning delay on THE HOT DOG EATING CONTEST 🤣 pic.twitter.com/NFYDEDIKY2
— br_betting (@br_betting) July 4, 2023
12:08 p.m. — As the weather delay continues, here's the full results from the women's contest earlier. For those curious, "Glizzy Lizzy" finished with four-and-a-quarter hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
results (Hot dogs and buns eaten). #1 Sudo: 39.5
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
#2 Ebihara: 33.5
#3 Lesco: 24.25
Mele: 13.25
Prettyman: 11.5
Young: 10.5
Wong: 9.75
Bowers: 9
Routar: 7
Brown: 6.5
Horowitz: 5.5
Goldberg: 4.5
Salgade: 4.25
DiBenedetto: 3.5
Labarge: DQ
12 p.m. — Viewers hoping to watch Joey Chestnut dominate the competition will have to wait a little longer. We are in a lightning delay on Coney Island.
11:55 a.m. — We are five minutes away from the start of the live coverage on ESPN so let's look back on last year's contest. Dealing with a leg injury, Chestnut wrestled a protestor and still won convincingly.
Chestnut just obliterated him🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/dry7Oy8KZK
— jonah block (@JonahBlock05) July 4, 2022
11:50 a.m. — Ever wonder how Chestnut's championships stack up against the other sports? Wonder no more, thanks to this handy-dandy chart.
Joey Chestnut's dominance speaks for itself 😯 pic.twitter.com/DyYDzknvxj
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 4, 2023
11:45 a.m. — Can Chestnut break the record he set in 2021? A quick look at the BetMGM odds says it's unlikely. If you are a believer though, a $100 bet can net you another $250. Conditions are reportedly brutal though, with the heat and humidity making life difficult. We'll see if Chestnut can also defeat Mother Nature.
Can Joey Chestnut break the World Record today? pic.twitter.com/8TGUOQjBZy
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) July 4, 2023
11:40 a.m. — As we shift our attention to the men's competition, here's a look at the business side to Chestnut. Interestingly enough, he once secured an endorsement deal with Pepto Bismol, a fitting partnership.
The Business Behind Joey Chestnut
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 4, 2023
Joey Chestnut competes in 20+ events each year and holds 55 world records:
• Nathan's hot dogs: 76 dogs & buns in 10 minutes
• Hard-boiled eggs: 141 in 8 minutes
• Glazed donuts: 55 in 8 minutes
• Pulled pork sandwiches: 45 in 10 minutes
•… pic.twitter.com/j5eLg5Mplk
11:23 a.m. — The women's competition is now in the history books as Coney Island will get set for Joey Chestnut to grace the stage at noon. Stay tuned.
11:14 a.m. — THERE WILL BE NO BELT BUSTER! After an official count, Sudo finished with 39-and-one-half hot dogs and buns — six more than Ebihara. She put forth a fantastic effort and definitely challenged the champion. A ninth belt for Sudo!
With 3️⃣9️⃣.5️⃣ hot dogs eaten, Miki Sudo is your 2023 Nathan's Famous Women's Champion 🌭👩 pic.twitter.com/lkEyAXPsI1
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 4, 2023
MIKI SUDO EATS 39.5 HOT DOGS TO CLAIM HER NINTH NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOG CONTEST‼️ pic.twitter.com/17ttquQZRY
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2023
11:12 a.m. — The judges are going through the plates to get the final count. Each plate holds five hot dogs. Drama!
11:10 a.m. — AND THERE'S THE TIME! We'll need an official count to determine a winner. She's up by one on the unofficial count. Stay tuned.
11:09 a.m. — ONE MINUTE TO GO! Can Sudo hang on?
11:08 a.m. — Two minutes and Ebihara is back! We are in for a big finish!
11:07 a.m. — Coming down the stretch and Sudo is up three over a potentially fading Ebihara. Quite the challenge put forward by the Japanese entrant.
11:06 a.m. — And here comes Sudo! She's turned it on and will worry about the sickness later. For now, it's time to win a ninth belt.
11:05 a.m. — Ebihara has surpassed Sudo about halfway through and dancing the entire time! Madness at Surf and Stillwell!
11:02 a.m. — Two minutes in and Sudo is nine hot dogs in, but Mayoi Ebihara is dog-for-dog with her. Can an upset be brewing in Coney Island?
11 a.m. — 10 minutes on the clock. THE. EATING. STARTS. NOW.
Miki Sudo looking for yet another hot dog eating championship as the @originalnathans contest underway #nbc4ny pic.twitter.com/mebPBbPP2X
— Andrew Siff (@andrewsiff4NY) July 4, 2023
10:59 a.m. — Sudo might be the favorite, but best nickname goes to Elizabeth "Glizzy Lizzy" Salgado. If they received points for names, then Salgado would be the frontrunner.
Introducing: Glizzy Lizzy 💪 pic.twitter.com/STyHXg5NeN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2023
MORE: Why is a hot dog called a glizzy? Meaning, origin of term used at Nathan's hot dog eating contest
10:56 a.m. — Intros are wrapping up and the suspense is building on Surf and Stillwell. Sudo is here and we are ready to go!
10:45 a.m. — Coverage is beginning now on ESPN3, so there is still time to catch this hype video that'll have you running to the hot dog section at the local supermarket.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!! Today is what we all have been waiting for… we better see you all there #roadtoconey #eatingcontest #majorleagueeating #nathansfamous #hotdogeating #julyfourth #coneyisland pic.twitter.com/zvA5EhV4Hg
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
10:42 a.m. — And here are today's competitors. Their stomachs are probably feeling a lot better at the moment.
Friendly group shot before the big contest!!! #4thofJuly #hotdog @pepcid 🇺🇸🌭❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/EDzftqnKPf
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
10:41 a.m. — Get a look at some of the walk-ins and the party bus from this morning for the Super Bowl of the eating world.
OFFICIALLY AT CONEY! 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/Wik1X6UMvL
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
IT’S. GO. TIME….. almost at Coney!! pic.twitter.com/irxtr6CLeU
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 4, 2023
10:40 a.m. — If you missed the weigh in yesterday, here's a clip to catch you up to speed. The weather concerns appear to have vanished now, so prime eating conditions await the competitors in Coney Island.
If you were not able to make it to the Weigh-In be sure to watch the clip below for a recap! We hope to see you all tomorrow for the BIG DAY🎉 pic.twitter.com/F0HjZNUV6V
— Major League Eating (@eatingcontest) July 3, 2023
10:35 a.m. — We are 10 minutes away from the start of the eating extravaganza. Miki Sudo will eat first as her and Joey Chestnut are overwhelming favorites to retain their titles — as evidenced by our friends at BetMGM.
The GOATs take center stage today 🌭 pic.twitter.com/CO9ImxJSLb
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) July 4, 2023
What time is the Hot Dog Eating Contest today?
- Start time: 10:45 a.m. ET (Men's contest begins at 2 p.m. ET)
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN3, ESPN+ | Fubo
Live coverage from Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y. begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3 for the women's competition — headlined by Sudo. Then Chestnut and friends take the stage in the shadows of the famous Cyclone roller coaster.
MORE: Full list of Joey Chestnut's 55 competitive eating world records
Following a length weather delay, the men's contest is set to get underway at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Streamers hoping to watch the festivities can catch it on ESPN+ — which will have dedicated cameras on Chestnut and Sudo — or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Hot Dog Eating Contest TV schedule 2023
If you want to watch the contest live, then ESPN3 and ESPN2 are the place to be. But don't worry, ESPNews, ESPN and ESPN2 will have replays of the event all day long.
Event | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Women's) | 10:45 a.m. | ESPN3 |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Men's) | Noon ET | ESPN2, Fubo |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Re-air) | 2 p.m. | ESPNews, Fubo |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Re-air) | 5 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Re-air) | 6 p.m. | ESPNews, Fubo |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Re-air) | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo |
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Re-air) | 11:30 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo |