Forget the BBQ - Why Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Is THE Summer Event

Every summer, people in the UK dig out the rusty barbecue, overcook a few sausages and pretend they're having a great time despite the drizzle.

Meanwhile, over in New York, something magical and utterly unhinged is happening.

Forget the BBQ - Why Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Is THE Summer Event

Welcome to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. A Coney Island tradition where elite eaters gather to shovel down 60+ hot dogs in ten minutes while thousands cheer them on.

It’s messy. It's ridiculous. And it's peak American summer.

If you're planning a trip to the US in July, forget the fireworks. This is the real 4th of July spectacle.

Wikimedia Commons / Kcpwiki 

What Is Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest?

Held every year on America's Independence Day, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is one of the weirdest, most-watched food events in the world.

It takes place outside of the world-famous hot dog restaurant Nathan's in Coney Island.

Wikimedia Commons / Kidfly182

Competitive eaters battle it out to consume as many hot dogs, complete with buns, as humanly possible in ten minutes.

Joey Chestnut is the undisputed king of this contest. He once ate 76 hot dogs in a single sitting.

That's not just a record, it's an Olympic-level act of digestion.

Where and When Does Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Happen?

Nathan’s hot dog eating contest takes place at Nathan’s in Coney Island on 4th July every year.

The main event kicks off at noon, but crowds start forming early in the morning. Some even camp out overnight.

How Do I Get To Coney Island?

Wikimedia Commons / Kidfly182

Easy - hop on the New York Subway (D, F, N or Q lines) and get off at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.

From there, just follow the smell of grilled meat and the sound of thousands of people chanting "Eat! Eat! Eat!"

Why Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Is the Ultimate Summer Spectacle

Wikimedia Commons / Dane Unknoen

Forget polite British garden parties. This is competitive eating on steroids.

• There's a giant countdown clock.
• There are ESPN commentators treating it like the World Cup.
• There's even a hype man giving theatrical intros to each contestant.

And of course, there’s Coney Island hot dogs, flying into mouths at a frankly terrifying pace.

It's OTT. It's chaotic. And honestly? It's hard not to get swept up in it.

Watching It in Person vs Watching It Abroad

If you're lucky enough to be in New York, grab a spot early and wear something you don’t mind getting splashed with bun crumbs.

If you're elsewhere in the USA, you can catch it on ESPN, or stream it live online.

But don’t rely on flaky hotel Wi-Fi - especially if you’re travelling. Get yourself a United States eSIM before you go.

That way, you'll stay connected wherever you are. Even if you’re watching from a diner in Idaho or a rooftop bar in Brooklyn.

Fun Facts About Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

• The tradition supposedly began in 1916 when four expats held a hot dog-eating contest to prove who was the most patriotic.
• Contestants use the Solomon technique - breaking the dog in two, dunking it in water and sliding it down.
• Winners get fame, fortune and a mustard-yellow championship belt.

Wikimedia Commons /  Ethan

Other Things To Do In Coney Island

Once you've watched someone inhale 70 hot dogs, why not have a go at digesting the rest of Coney Island?

• Hit up Luna Park for old-school rollercoasters.
• Walk the Coney Island Boardwalk - one of NYC's most nostalgic stretches of sand and sea.
• Grab your own hot dog at the original Nathan's restaurant Coney Island - just don’t try to eat 60.

Adobe Free Stock / Frances

Travelling to the US This Summer? Don't Forget Your eSIM

Whether you're in it for hot dogs, fireworks or just some weird and wonderful Americana, travelling in the US is way smoother with an eSIM.

Choose a USA eSIM that fits your trip length and data needs. No queues, no plastic SIM card swaps, no surprise roaming fees.

Just instant, affordable data so you can post that hot dog madness to your mates back home in real-time.

Final Bite

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest isn’t just a food competition. It’s a full-on spectacle.

The kind of thing that makes you say, “Only in America,” with a mix of awe and mild indigestion.

So this summer, ditch the soggy British barbecue and head to Coney Island, aka. hot dog central, for one of the wildest competitive eating competitions in the world.