WENN
The mustard belt is up for grabs as Joey Chestnut tries to claim his 11th title in 12 years at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July. This 10-minute contest will take place on Coney Island in New York. Chestnut will face some stiff competition to remain the champion and may need to break his previous record of 72 hot dogs in order to retain his title. Let’s look at three participants who have a chance to take the belt away from Chestnut.
2018 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: Time, Channel, & View Details
Event: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Date: July 4th, 2018
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. PST/ 12:30 p.m. EST
Location: Coney Island, New York
Broadcast: ESPN
Matt Stonie
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The man who may have the best chance to defeat Chestnut in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the only man who has beaten him in the past 12 years. That guy is Matt Stonie, who defeated Chestnut in 2015 to win his only mustard belt by eating 62 hot dogs to Chestnut’s 60.
Since Stonie turned pro in 2011, he has wowed observers by the fast pace he uses right out of the gate, which normally leads to an early lead in competitions. Stonie is ranked #3 in the Major League Eating rankings and has held over 20 different records during his professional career He has done it once before so there is no reason why he can’t defeat Chestnut again.
Carmen Cincotti
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Carmen Cincotti, an up-and-comer in the Major League Eating industry, might be the name you don’t know yet but should learn before the competition. Cincotti competed last year in the contest and he came in second place after downing 60 hot dogs. Cincotti is ranked #2 in the Major League Eating rankings and is looking to claim his first mustard belt. Cincotti has held five different records in the Major League Eating industry since he signed with them in 2016. Cincotti is looking to avenge his second place finish from last year by stunning the whole world and taking down Chestnut this year.
Gideon Oji
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Oji is the biggest athlete to ever compete in the Major League Eating industry at 6-foot-9. He uses his full frame to full effect and his lengthy torso to help him down hot dogs. Oji competed in this competition in 2016 and he came in fourth place after finishing 38 hot dogs. This year he qualified for the contest by winning the Washington D.C. regional qualifier finishing 21 hot dogs. Oji has held three different records during his short career in Major League Eating. Could Oji become the darkest of dark horses and take a major step in his career by claiming his first mustard belt?
