The competitors for the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest weighed in ahead of the big event on Monday.
Last year, Miki Sudo won the women’s competition, finishing 40 hot dogs. She is the top-ranked female in Major League Eating and has held that spot since 2014. This year, she says she’s looking to set a new women’s record with 50 hot dogs. She weighed in at 131 pounds ahead of the Fourth of July event.
World-famous competitive eater and reigning champion of the men’s competition, Joey Chestnut, weighed in at 225 pounds, and he provided some insight on why he keeps returning to the Nathan’s competition.
"I genuinely believe I have the best job in the world. I get to travel, meet people, eat and make people happy. It's unbeatable,” said Chestnut.
Chestnut will compete for his 16th Mustard Belt, and Sudo will contend for her ninth title.