Competitive Eaters Go To Extreme Lengths To Prepare For Nathan's Hot Dog Contest

Genetics may play a small role, but psychological drive and intense preparation are key to competitive eating success. Different strategies like dipping buns in water are used for maximum speed and efficiency, ignoring fullness and discomfort in the process to win.
The reigning champions, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, are favored to win again this Fourth of July at Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest, which will air on ESPN.
Chestnut holds 15 wins and Sudo 7 in the annual Coney Island event where competitors devour as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes.
While competitive eaters may have physical attributes like short necks, wide ribcages and long torsos, a big belly is not required and can actually hinder expansion of the stomach during competition.
Mentally preparing to push through discomfort and ignore fullness are crucial to competitive eating success.