It's that time of year again! Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest returns. Will Joey Chestnut set a new world record? Will Miki Sudo win the women's side again? Who else could challenge for the top prize? We break down the best bets to make on the Hot Dog Eating contest on the 4th of July this year!
Bet #1: Joey Chestnut Over 72.5 Hot Dogs Eaten (-115)
Everyone knows Joey Chestnut is the man to beat in this contest. Chestnut has won seven straight events at Nathan's and 15 of the last 16. But it's not just that he is so much better than his competition, it's that he is constantly striving to out-do himself. Chestnut has surpassed 70 total dogs eaten in six of his last seven contests, and has eaten 75 or more dogs in two of the last three years.
While we like Joey Chestnut in other ways as well, this feels like one of the best bets on the board. Take it and run!
Bet #2: Joey Chestnut -11.5 Hot Dogs vs. Geoffrey Esper (-120)
Chestnut's primary competition is Geoffrey Esper, if you can even call him “competition”. At a glance, you wouldn't be able to tell that Esper is a competitive eater, as he looks more like a personal trainer or a bodyguard. But Esper has the stuff to keep up here, as he has beaten Chestnut head to head once before, although not with hot dogs, but with mini donuts.