Few sporting traditions are as uniquely American as the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Every Independence Day, the world's greatest competitive eaters descend on Coney Island with one goal in mind – claiming the iconic Mustard Belt in front of a global television audience.
The 2026 edition promises another fascinating spectacle. While the field features several accomplished challengers, the conversation once again begins and ends with Joey Chestnut – the undisputed king of competitive eating.
After reclaiming his crown in emphatic fashion in 2025 by devouring 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, Chestnut returns looking to capture an incredible 18th Nathan's title. His latest victory reinforced the gap between himself and the rest of the field, with no rival able to stay within striking distance over the closing minutes.
So who are the contenders in 2026?
Joey Chestnut @ 1.04
At 42 years old, Chestnut continues to redefine what is possible in competitive eating.
His world record of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021, still stands as one of the greatest individual performances in competitive eating history, and while he has not quite reached those heights in recent editions, his consistency remains unmatched.
Bookmakers have made him an overwhelming favourite once again. The best available odds across major sportsbooks price Chestnut at 1.04, reflecting an implied winning probability well above 90 percent.
Chestnut's strengths are well known. His pace rarely drops throughout the 10-minute contest – his bun-dunking technique remains the benchmark, and perhaps most importantly, he possesses unrivalled experience on the biggest stage.
Unless something extraordinary happens, he remains the man everyone else must beat.
Patrick Bertoletti @ 9.00
Patrick Bertoletti proved in 2024 that he has the ability to win Nathan's when circumstances allow, claiming the Mustard Belt during Chestnut's absence.
Although he finished a distant runner-up in 2025, Bertoletti remains comfortably the second choice with most bookmakers. Odds around 9.00 suggest he is considered the only realistic challenger should Chestnut underperform.
Bertoletti regularly posts totals in the mid-to-high 40s and low 50s and has shown remarkable consistency across Major League Eating events. However, history suggests that even a career-best performance may not be enough if Chestnut performs anywhere near his usual standard.
James Webb @ 26.00
Australian eater James Webb continues to establish himself among the elite competitors on the international circuit.
Known for his rapid eating speed and technical efficiency, Webb has steadily improved over recent seasons and enters this year's contest as a genuine podium contender.
Most sportsbooks list him around 26.00, making him one of the few outsiders with a realistic chance of upsetting Bertoletti for second place if Chestnut proves untouchable once again.
Latest Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds
Joey Chestnut – 1.04
Patrick Bertoletti – 9.00
James Webb –266.00
Geoffrey Esper – 31.00
Nick Wehry – 41.00
Ricardo Corbucci – 81.00
Max Stanford – 101.00
George Chiger – 101.00
Gideon Oji – 151.00
Derek Hendrickson – 201.00
Radim Dvoracek – 201.00
Damien Thomas – 251.00
* Odds correct as of 15:03 BST on 2/7/2026