Competitive eating stars from all over the world will gather on New York's Coney Island for the sport's biggest and brightest event as the 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest kicks off on July 4.

Joey Chestnut is the favorite to win his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt on the Fourth of July. Sean Gardner / Getty Images Joey Chestnut is back. Joey Chestnut never left. Joey Chestnut runs things on the ...