The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the Fourth of July is a beloved tradition that brings together competitive eaters from around the world in Coney Island, New York. This year, the event promises excitement and suspense as the reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, will not be defending his title due to a ban related to his partnership with Impossible Foods.

Joey Chestnut, a 16-time champion of the contest, will instead be engaging in a hot dog eating competition against soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Fans will miss seeing Chestnut devouring hot dogs at Nathan’s, a sight that has become synonymous with the event over the years.

With Chestnut out of the competition, the door is wide open for a new champion to emerge and claim the coveted Mustard Belt. This year’s lineup includes top contenders like Geoffrey Esper, James Webb, and Nick Wehry, each with their own odds of clinching victory in the hotly contested event.

Among the female competitors, Miki Sudo is a standout favorite with impressive odds, followed by Mayoi Ebihara and Michelle Lesco. The women’s division is expected to deliver a thrilling display of competitive eating prowess as they vie for the top spot.

The rules of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest are straightforward: participants have 10 minutes to consume as many hot dogs as possible, with the caveat that regurgitation results in immediate disqualification. The spectacle of watching individuals push their limits in a battle of gastronomic prowess is both entertaining and awe-inspiring.

As the countdown to the event on July 4, 2024, begins, fans and spectators eagerly anticipate the showdown of skill and determination that will unfold on the stage in Coney Island. With the absence of Joey Chestnut, this year’s contest promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable affair, with new contenders poised to make their mark in the annals of competitive eating history.