Competitive Eating: How to Bet on Hot Dog Eating Contests
Sports betting usually involves football, basketball, or horse racing. But some people bet on something completely different, like competitive eating. It’s not as strange as it sounds. If you’ve ever watched a hot dog eating contest and thought, “No way he eats that many,” you’re already thinking like a bettor.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the Super Bowl of competitive eating, drawing thousands of fans and serious money in bets every Fourth of July. The odds shift, records get broken, and every year there’s a chance for a major upset. It’s fast, ridiculous, and surprisingly strategic.
This page will break down everything you need to know about betting on eating contests, including how to bet, where to find the best odds, and what factors actually matter in a contest like this. So, if you’re thinking about wagering on Nathan’s contest, you’re in the right place.
On This Page
How Eating Contests Work
Competitive eating is simple. Whoever eats the most food in a set time wins. But there’s more to it than just stuffing your face. These contests have strict rules, strategies, and even professional leagues.
Most eating contests follow a timed format, usually between 8 to 10 minutes. Competitors can use different techniques, like dunking food in water to make it easier to chew or breaking items into smaller pieces. Judges monitor for rule violations, including vomiting or failing to swallow before time runs out.
Major contests are organized by groups like Major League Eating (MLE), which sets official rules. Some competitions focus on speed (who finishes first), while others are about quantity (who eats the most).
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest FORMAT
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is the most famous competitive eating event in the world. Held every July 4th, it draws thousands of bettors, spectators, and millions of viewers. The goal is simple: eat as many hot dogs as possible.
Here’s a breakdown of how the competition works:
| Date & Time | Every July 4th, typically broadcast live at 12 PM ET on ESPN |
| Location | Coney Island, New York, outside Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs restaurant |
| Number of Competitors | 15-20 eaters, including past champions and newcomers |
| Contest Duration | 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs (with buns) as possible |
| Key Rules | Hot dogs must be eaten with buns Dunking food in water is allowed Judges monitor for disqualifications (like vomiting) |
| Records | Men’s Record: 76 hot dogs (Joey Chestnut, 2021). Women’s Record: 50 hot dogs (Miki Sudo, 2020) |
| History | First held in 1916, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has become the biggest competitive eating event in the world. |
Why This Matters for Betting
Every detail in the table above can impact your bets. Past records help with over/under bets, while rules and techniques can show which eaters have an edge. The 10-minute format favors those who pace themselves. Even the number of participants matters, as more challengers can push top eaters harder.
How to Bet on Hot Dog Eating Contests – Types of Bets You Can Place
Betting on a novelty market like competitive eating isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. There are different ways to wager, and understanding the options can help you make smarter picks.
Here’s what you need to know.
Winner Bet
This is the most common bet. Picking who will eat the most and win the contest.
Example: Joey Chestnut has dominated Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, winning 16 times since 2007. Betting markets often have him as a heavy favorite.
Over/Under (Total Hot Dogs Eaten by the Winner)
Sportsbooks set a line for the number of hot dogs the winner will eat. You bet on whether the actual number will be over or under that total.
Example: If the line is set at 72.5, betting “over” wins if the winner eats 73 or more hot dogs. Betting “under” wins if they eat 72 or fewer.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Instead of betting on the overall winner, you wager on which of two competitors will eat more hot dogs.
Example: You can bet on whether Geoffrey Esper eats more hot dogs than Nick Wehry. If Esper eats 60 and Wehry eats 58, Esper bettors win.
Prop Bets
These are bets on specific contest outcomes. Some common examples include:
- Total hot dogs eaten by Joey Chestnut: Sportsbooks set a line, and bettors wager on whether he will surpass it.
- Someone will break women’s record of 50 hot dogs: A bet on whether she sets a new high mark.
- Total hot dogs eaten in the first minute: Bettors wager on how fast competitors start.
- Disqualifications: Some sportsbooks offer bets on whether a competitor will be disqualified for rule violations.
Live Betting & Last-Minute Wagers
Some sportsbooks offer live betting, where odds shift as the contest unfolds. A hot start might increase a competitor’s total projection, while someone struggling early could see their odds drop. Live betting lets you adjust your bets in real time based on how the contest is playing out.
Example: First-half eating totals, head-to-head matchups at the halfway mark, and whether someone will beat a record after a strong start.
Odds Considerations Specific to Hot Dog Eating Contests
Competitive eating odds don’t work the same way as traditional sports betting. There are no teams, no game plans, and no defense. Just individual competitors trying to eat the most food in a set time.
That means sportsbooks take a different approach when setting lines, and understanding these details can give you an edge.
- Historical Performance – Sportsbooks often base their odds on past contest results. For instance, in 2024, Patrick Bertoletti won the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest by consuming 58 hot dogs, while Joey Chestnut was absent due to a sponsorship dispute. In a separate event, Chestnut ate 57 hot dogs in five minutes. These performances can influence the over/under lines set by sportsbooks in subsequent years.
Tip: Analyze years of data to identify trends. A single year’s performance might be an outlier due to unique circumstances. - Timing Your Bet – As bets are placed, odds can shift. If a large number of bettors back the women’s favorite Miki Sudo, her odds might become less favorable over time. Conversely, underdogs may offer better payouts as the event approaches.
Tip: Place bets on favorites early to secure better odds. If considering an underdog, monitor the market and consider betting closer to the event. - Inflated Favorites & Overvalued Lines – Dominant competitors often have heavily favored odds. For instance, betting on Joey Chestnut might require a significant wager for a modest return.
Tip: Explore alternative bets, such as predicting whether a competitor will break a personal record or focusing on head-to-head matchups between other participants. - Live Betting & Mid-Contest Adjustments – If a competitor starts slower than usual, their projected totals might decrease, presenting new betting opportunities.
Tip: Watch the initial minutes of the contest to gauge competitors’ pacing before placing bets.
Competitive Eating Contest Betting Strategies
Betting on competitive eating isn’t just about knowing the odds—it’s about using the right strategy to win your bets. The best bettors don’t just pick the favorite. They analyze patterns, adjust their bets based on data, and find value where others don’t.
Here are proven strategies to improve your chances when betting on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Fading the Public on Over Bets
Most casual bettors love to bet the over on hot dog totals. They see past records and assume competitors will keep improving. But historical data shows that bettors often overestimate eating totals, especially in tough conditions like extreme heat.
Strategy: When the public heavily bets the over, consider taking the under if the total moves higher than usual. If the line started at 68.5 and shifts to 70.5, betting the under gives you more value.
First-half betting for More Predictability
Most contests follow a predictable pattern. The top eaters consume half their total in the first few minutes and then slow down. If you wait to see their opening pace, you can make a smarter live bet.
Strategy: watch the first three minutes before placing a wager. If an eater is behind their usual pace, the under becomes a strong bet. If they’re ahead, the over might still have value.
Using Head-to-Head Matchups
Betting on the outright winner often means taking bad odds on favorites like Chestnut. Instead of risking big money for a small payout, head-to-head bets offer better value.
Strategy: Compare two eaters with similar past performances and find undervalued matchups where one competitor has the edge. If an eater has consistently beaten another in past contests, they’re a strong bet even if the moneyline is close.
Watching for Late Line Movement
In the hours leading up to the contest, line movement can tell you where the sharp money is going. If the over/under suddenly shifts right before the event, it’s often due to insider knowledge or unexpected factors.
Strategy: If the line moves significantly in the last 6-12 hours, consider following the movement. If experienced bettors go for the under, for example, they likely have info that isn’t public yet (e.g., a competitor’s health issue or rough conditions).
Parlaying Small Prop Bets for Bigger Payouts
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has several prop bets that can be combined into high-value parlays. Instead of making one big bet, stacking smaller correlated bets can maximize profit.
Strategy: If you believe Chestnut will win and eat under a certain number of hot dogs, consider a parlay like:
- Chestnut to win
- Total under 70.5 hot dogs
- No disqualification in the event
Consider Weather
Outdoor contests can be heavily affected by weather. Hot, humid conditions slow down eaters, while cooler weather can boost totals. Sportsbooks don’t always adjust properly for these conditions.
Strategy: Check the hourly forecast for Coney Island on July 4th. If it’s expected to be over 85°F and humid, look for under bets. If it’s cool and breezy, totals may trend higher than expected.
The Best Sites to Bet on Hot Dog Eating Contests
Not all sportsbooks offer betting lines for competitive eating, but you can find odds at both regulated U.S. sportsbooks and offshore betting sites.
Regulated books in states like New Jersey and Nevada sometimes post odds for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, but availability can be limited. Offshore sites tend to have more betting options, including live odds, prop bets, and alternative markets like head-to-head matchups.
When choosing a sportsbook, safety should always come first. Whether you’re using a regulated or offshore site, look for licensed operators with a history of fair payouts.
Offshore books can be a solid option, especially if you’re in a state where legal sportsbooks don’t offer eating contest betting. Just make sure the site you choose has secure payment options, reliable withdrawals, and a strong reputation among bettors.
Top Contenders for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025
As the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest approaches, several competitors stand out as top contenders. Here’s a look at the leading participants:
Joey Chestnut
The all-time great returns after missing 2024. He recently set a new world record, eating 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Patrick Bertoletti
The 2024 champion won with 58 hot dogs in Chestnut’s absence. He’ll have to prove he can compete at that level again.
Miki Sudo
The women’s division leader, Sudo matched her world record of 51 hot dogs in 2024 and remains the heavy favorite.
Geoffrey Esper
Ranked #2 in the world, Esper finished second last year with 53 hot dogs. He’s one of the strongest challengers to Chestnut.
Famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Moments
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has produced legendary performances and shocking upsets that continue to shape betting trends. Understanding these key moments can help bettors spot patterns and find value in future contests.
Joey Chestnut’s 76-Hot Dog Record (2021)
Chestnut set the all-time record with 76 hot dogs, proving he could exceed expectations. Bettors who took the over cashed in, while sportsbooks had to adjust future totals.
Patrick Bertoletti’s Surprise Win (2024)
With Chestnut absent due to a sponsorship dispute, Bertoletti won with just 58 hot dogs. This was one of the lowest winning totals ever.
Kobayashi vs. Chestnut Rivalry (2007)
Chestnut ended Kobayashi’s six-year reign with 66 hot dogs, marking a power shift in competitive eating. This upset changed betting markets, making Chestnut the new dominant favorite.
Miki Sudo’s 50-Hot Dog Performance (2020)
Sudo crushed the women’s record with 50 hot dogs, setting a high bar for the competition. Bettors now track whether she can break her own record each year.
Best Competitive Eating Contests
The 4th of July Hot Dog Contest is still the biggest around, but many other massive competitive eating events around the world have plenty of notoriety. Here are our top five contests to check out.
- Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
- The Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship
- Acme Oyster Eating World Championship
- World Pie Eating Championship
- National Harbor World Peeps Eating Championship
Bet Smart, Eat Up the Odds
Winning a bet on Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest takes more than guessing. Knowing the odds, spotting trends, and picking the right moment to bet can make all the difference.
No matter what type of bet you place, checking the odds, comparing sportsbooks, and paying attention to contest conditions will give you a better shot. Small details, like weather and pacing, can make or break a bet.
Now all that’s left is to sit back, watch the contest, and see if your bets pay off.
Competitive Eating Betting – Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about eating contest betting? Here are some additional details you won’t find in a typical guide.
Why do some sportsbooks remove hot dog eating contest bets a few days before the event?
Some books take bets early but remove or limit them as more information comes in, especially if there’s heavy action on one side.
If a major eater is rumored to be sick or struggling in practice, sportsbooks might adjust or pull odds entirely.
Can you bet on whether a contestant will vomit?
Some sportsbooks offer “Reversal of Fortune” prop bets, but they’re rare.
Why do live betting odds shift so quickly during the contest?
Yes. The men’s over/under totals are much higher than the women’s, and Miki Sudo is often an even bigger favorite in her division than Chestnut is in his.
Some books may not even offer head-to-head matchups for women’s contests.
Can you parlay bets in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Some sportsbooks allow parlays, but they limit correlated bets (like Chestnut winning and eating over 70.5 hot dogs).
