Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Records: Who ate the most hot dogs on July 4?
We’ve all been there before. The 4th of July picnic is nearly over and you’re faced with the question of whether you should have that fourth or fifth hot dog. For competitors in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest, it would be a simple snack.
The annual competition returns to its Coney Island location in New York for another year, where competitors stuff their faces with dozens of hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is looking for his 15th mustard belt. He won again in 2021 a year after setting a new record in the 2020 contest by eating 74 hot dogs, 33 more than the next best competitor. Miki Sudo had won the women’s division six years in a row, but did not compete in 2021 after breaking the women’s division record in 2020. She will return to the stage on Monday.
Chestnut has raised his Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest the best in each of the past six years and has his eyes — and stomach — set on slaughtering 77 francs all beef at this year’s event.
MORE: What happens to Joey Chestnut’s body after the hot dog eating contest?
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Records
Here’s a look at pork consumption records for men and women.
Men’s Division
| Year | Competitor | Hot dogs eaten |
| 2021 | Joey Chestnut | 76 |
| 2020 | Joey Chestnut | 75 |
| 2018 | Joey Chestnut | 74 |
| 2016 | Joey Chestnut | 73.5* |
| 2017 | Joey Chestnut | 72 |
| 2019 | Joey Chestnut | 71 |
| 2016 | Joey Chestnut | 70 |
| 2013 | Joey Chestnut | 69 |
| 2012 | Joey Chestnut | 68 |
| 2009 | Joey Chestnut | 68 |
| 2008 | Takeru Kobayashi | 64.5 |
| 2018 | Carmen Cincotti | 64 |
| 2015 | Matt Stonie | 62 |
* Chestnut’s 2016 record was set at the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle just nine days before Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Women’s Division
| Year | Competitor | Hot dogs eaten |
| 2020 | Miki Sudo | 48.5 |
| 2012 | Sonya Thomas | 45 |
| 2017 | Miki Sudo | 41 |
| 2009 | Sonya Thomas | 41 |
| 2011 | Sonya Thomas | 40 |
| 2007 | Sonya Thomas | 39 |
| 2016 | Miki Sudo | 38 |
| 2015 | Miki Sudo | 38 |
| 2018 | Miki Sudo | 37 |
| 2012 | Sonya Thomas | 36.75 |
| 2012 | Juliet Lee | 36 |
| 2010 | Sonya Thomas | 36 |
How many hot dogs did Joey Chestnut eat in 2021?
Joey Chestnut ate 76 hot dogs at the 2021 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, breaking the previous record of 75 he set the previous year.
Chestnut has eaten 70 or more hot dogs in 10 minutes in each of the past five years, and he’ll be looking to hit 77 for the first time on Monday.
MORE: Joey Chestnut Net Worth, Career Earnings
What is the prize for winning Nathan’s hot dog contest?
First place in the men’s and women’s division receives a prize of $10,000. A remaining purse of $20,000 is divided among the finalists of the two divisions.
Although the money is important, the real prestige lies in the awarding of championship belts. The winner of the men’s division receives a legendary mustard-colored WWE-style belt, while the women’s champion receives a Pepto-Bismol-colored and sponsored pink belt.
