Nathan’s Famous Brings 2019 Hot Dog Eating Qualifier to San Antonio

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a competitive eater, you’re in luck: Nathan’s Famous, the company behind the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, will kick off its national qualifying tour with a stop in San Antonio.

The San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo will host the event February 23 at 2 p.m. Those interested in entering the qualifying contest can register here.

Nathan’s will continue the tour with stops in 13 additional cities, leading up to the July 4 event. The top male and female participants from each qualifier will be invited to compete in the ESPN-televised finals, held at the original Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island.

This year, participants can expect to compete with the reigning hot dog-eating champion, Joey Chestnut, who ate 74 wieners and buns in 10 minutes last year, setting a new world record.

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This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 12, 2019.