Report: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2023 canceled due to weather

Those who took the over on how many hot dogs Joey Chestnut would consume in the 2023 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest are in shambles, as it appears the 15-time champion will be consuming zero glizzy’s this July 4 Tuesday.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) canceled the annual men’s event due to severe weather, according to ABC7NY. The competition had been under a lightning delay since before its scheduled start time of 12 p.m. ET.

“For those of you waiting to see the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest, we’re waiting, too. … Currently in a delay because of severe weather at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York,” an ESPN announcer said. “Joey Chestnut is going for his 16th championship. He is in the green room with the rest of his fellow competitors waiting this rain and lightning out.”

There will be no pursuit of a 16th championship for the greatest hot dog eater of all-time. No electric commentary from event host George Shea. And in the end, no fun on this — the worst July 4 of all-time.

Fortunately, we did get *some* hot dog action Tuesday, as the women’s competition commenced at 11 a.m. ET before the bad weather had rolled in to Coney Island. Miki Sudo won her record ninth contest after eating 39 and a half hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

MIKI SUDO EATS 39.5 HOT DOGS TO CLAIM HER NINTH NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOG CONTEST‼️ pic.twitter.com/17ttquQZRY

— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2023

The top female champion of all-time and current No. 1-ranked female competitive eater wasn’t as pleased with her performance — even in victory.

“39 is a low number I’m sorry you guys!” Sudo said. “I would not have left a partial hot dog on the table.”

Joey Chestnut reveals his meal approach leading up to Hot Dog Eating Contest

Heading into the now canceled 2023 event, Chestnut detailed what his preparation looks like in the days leading up to it.

“So I had a little salad for dinner, a protein supplement,” Chestnut said of what he ate on Sunday. “I might just have some over-easy eggs or something [Monday]. But really it’s going to be a liquid diet. And Tuesday I’ll go in completely empty the day of the contest.”

While he is the heavy favorite every year, he still has to train hard. Chestnut said he doesn’t take anything for granted heading into a competition.

“I’ll never disrespect my competitors. These guys – Geoff Esper, an awesome eater out of Boston. And he’s actually beaten me a bunch. And for some reason he hasn’t been able to put together a good performance in hot dog,” Chestnut said. “But one of these days he’s going to surprise a lot of people, and I’ve got to make sure I’m not surprised. And I’m not going to be lazy. This guy really can eat 66, 67 hot dogs. He just hasn’t put it together yet.”