The growing popularity of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition could be making it a new “niche sport”. The food contest aired on ESPN2 on July 4th as tens of thousands fans crowded the boardwalk of Coney Island to watch live. Since the first competition in 1916, not only has the contest increased in popularity, but it has also become a big business. It was previously taken over by Major League Eating and has landed an extension with ESPN until 2024! They also have successfully marketed a women’s competition, so we’ve got plenty more years of hot dog eating ahead of us! The two-time winner Joey “Jaws” Chestnut was able to come out the 2014 victor after consuming 61 franks and engaging to his longtime girlfriend.
The highly watched spectacle included a lot of merch that was worn by the fans and the competitors. The eaters were decked out in everything from Nathan’s Hot Dog custom shirts, hats, face paint and U.S.A. gear to support the holiday. Joey Chestnut even showed up in a customized Nathan’s Hot Dog charriet to be recognized as the previous champ.
