Major League Eating is a proud supporter of Feeding AmericaDonate Now

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest - St. Paul, MN

Location: St. Paul, MN
Date: 06-03-2012
Winner: Gravy Brown & Janice Deregla

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. has unveiled the official list of cities holding hot dog eating contests to qualify the champions who will compete in the 97th annual July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The Nathan’s Famous qualifying tour occurs each year in cities across the U.S. and beyond. This year’s circuit will begin in Michigan on April 21st and visit 12 other cities before the world championship event takes place on July 4, 2012 at the Nathan’s Famous flagship in Coney Island, NY.

Qualifying events will occur at Nathan’s Famous retail locations, music festivals, city centers and Major League ballparks. The top male and top female finishers from each qualifier will earn a spot to compete in the ESPN televised finals at the original Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island on July Fourth. This year’s live ESPN show will air on July 4th at 3:00 PM Eastern immediately following Wimbledon.

In recent years, an estimated 40,000 fans have made the pilgrimage to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest in person. The live ESPN telecast of the event drew an audience of 1.95 million viewers in 2011. It was the highest rated telecast since ESPN began broadcasting the event in 2004.

Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA holds the world record for eating 68 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes, and he will seek his sixth straight title this year. Sonya Thomas of Alexandria, VA will defend her title as Female Champion. She consumed 40 Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes last year.

Do you have what it takes to challenge the reigning World Champions? If so, the time is now to step up to the table for a shot at becoming a part of history!

The top male and female finisher will each qualify for a spot to compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4th.

This contest will take place on Sunday, June 3 at the Grand Old Day St. Paul festival held on Grand Avenue.

About Nathan’s Famous Nathan’s products are currently distributed in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and six foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. The Nathan’s restaurant system currently consists of 302 units, comprised of 297 franchised units and five company-owned units (including one seasonal unit). For additional information about Nathan’s please visit www.nathansfamous.com.

Become a fan of the Nathan's Famous Facebook Page

Become a fan of the MLE Facebook Page

For instant results to all Major League Eating Contests, follow @eatingcontest

*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.

© 2024, Major League Eating · International Federation of Competitive Eating, Inc.
560 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor · New York, NY 10036