Charlotte just hosted its annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest Qualifier during Speed Street where speed eaters went at it for 10-straight-minutes to see who could stuff down the most hot dogs without throwing up. The top male and top female finishers from this qualifier will compete at the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island.
Charlotte’s ‘Badlands Booker’ ended up winning the Charlotte qualifier, eating 28 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.
Here’s the full video:
Badlands is going to have to step up his game if he wants a chance at beating Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Ca. on July 4th. Joey will be returning to Coney Island again this year to defend his world record of 73 hot dogs in 10 minutes – he’ll be looking to secure his 10th 1st place finish.
It’s now estimated that over 35,000 fans travel to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island to watch the contest. ESPN also streams the event live to millions of viewers online and on TV.
If you’d still like the chance on making it to Coney Island, you could drive up to the June 11th qualifier in Norfolk, VA, or to the Washington, DC qualifier on the 24th. All competitors must be over 18.