What time is the Hot Dog Eating Contest? TV schedule, start times for 2023 Nathan's competitions

Liberty, freedom and hot dogs for all.

LIVE: Updates, highlights from Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

That’s right, the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is back and Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is coming for another Mustard Belt to hang in his collection on July 4th. In the 16 competitions he’s been a part of, he’s won 15 times, only being unseated by Matt Stonie in 2015 after Stonie managed to stuff in two more hot dogs than the reigning champ that year.

Last year, Chestnut ate 63 hot dogs, a steep drop from his record-setting meal of 76 dogs in 2021, due to having to deal with a protestor while on stage. Still, since his first tournament, he’s downed 1,157 hot dogs overall.

On the women’s side, Miki Sudo returned from pregnancy to reclaim the tiara last year. She did not compete in 2021, and the Pink Mustard Belt went to Michelle Lesco, who ate 30 3/4 hot dogs for the win. Sudo has won all eight of the tournaments she’s been a part of and holds the women’s record of 48 1/2 hot dogs eaten in one frame.

Nothing screams America more than cracking a beer and betting on who will eat the most processed beef. Sudo and Chestnut are the favorites heading into the gluttonous Independence Day showdown.

MORE: Watch the 2023 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest with Fubo (free trial)

Here’s what you need to know to watch the 2023 Hot Dog Eating Contest while you prep your own hot dogs on the grill:

What time does the hot dog eating contest start today?

Women’s contest: 10:45 a.m. ET
Men’s contest: Around 2 p.m. ET

The gluttonous Independence Day showdown will begin at 10:45 a.m. ET with the women. The men were scheduled to take the stage at the corner of Surf and Stillwell at noon ET, but inclement weather has delayed the proceedings.

ESPN said coverage will resume at 2 p.m. ET but it’s unclear when the actual eating will begin.

MORE: Latest weather updates as lightning delays Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest

What channel is the hot dog eating contest today?

TV channel: ESPN2, ESPNews (re-air), ESPN (re-air)
Live stream: ESPN3, ESPN+, Fubo

ESPN’s sister networks and streaming arms are going to be the host for the entirety of the competition, including re-airs. The women’s contest will be on ESPN3, while the men’s will switch over to ESPN2. The presentation of the Mustard Belt will air after the men’s competition also on ESPN2.

Fubo is a streaming service currently offering a seven-day free trial. Fubo carries the ESPN family of networks, for those who have chosen to cut the cord. Other streaming options include ESPN+, which will broadcast the contests with exclusive camera angles, and the ESPN app.