Hot Diggiddy Dog: Classic Chicago-Style Hot Dog Recipe

Competitive eaters from across the region are sharpening their appetites and training their stomachs for New York-New York Hotel & Casino’s 17th annual qualifying event for the 99th Annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y.

The first stop on this year’s national qualifying tour is Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. on New York-New York’s new Strip-side plaza. Winners of the male and female divisions will be crowned “Nevada Hot Dog Eating Champions” and will earn the right to represent Las Vegas in the July 4 finals. Regional qualifying competitions will also be held in several other U.S. cities as part of the nationwide tour.

Established in 1916, the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been held at Coney Island every Independence Day since Nathan Handwerker opened the original restaurant. Over the years the event has grown into a high-profile competition that draws elite competitive eaters and enthusiastic spectators alike.

Participants at New York-New York’s qualifying event can expect a lively atmosphere on the plaza, with fans gathering to watch contenders compete for a spot in the finals. The event highlights the blend of local excitement and national competition that defines the tour, offering opportunities for amateur and seasoned eaters to test their limits.

Qualifiers are designed to identify top performers who will move on to the July 4 contest. Competitors are judged on the number of hot dogs and buns consumed within a set time limit, following official contest rules. The Nevada champions will join winners from other regional events to compete for the national title in Coney Island.

For attendees, the qualifying event is family-friendly and festival-like, featuring food, music, and a chance to witness competitive eating up close. Organizers encourage early arrival to secure viewing spots on the plaza and to enjoy other on-site activities surrounding the contest.

The Nathan’s contest remains one of the most recognizable culinary competitions in the United States, combining tradition, spectacle, and intense rivalry. As qualifiers continue across the country, anticipation builds for the 99th Annual contest this July.