Nothing says America like the Fourth of July. Fireworks, family, and cookouts are how the United States likes to celebrate its independence, and over the last couple decades we have seen a new tradition too. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has been around for over 100 years, but it has come into the mainstream with the competitive eating boom.
Over a million dollars is expected to be wagered on the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island today. Joey Chestnut is the massive favorite to win the Men’s Championship, having won 10 of the last 11 titles, while Miki Sudo is a big favorite to win the Women’s Championship after winning the last four women’s events. Check below for more betting odds.
2018 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Betting Odds (Courtesy of BetDSI)
Men’s 2018 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Winner
Joey Chestnut -850
Carmen Cincotti +600
Matthew Stonie +875
Field (Any Other Competitor) +800
Chestnut is the big favorite in this one and will get the bulk of the square money. With his past performances, he will receive a large percentage of the action, and he is likely to close around -1000. Matt Stonie has been able to upset him in the past though, and he might be worth a play.
Total hot dogs eaten by Men’s winner
Over 71.5 (-115)
Under 71.5 (-115)
This number seems spot on. Chestnut ate 70 hot dogs in 2016 and a record 72 hot dogs last year. No one else has come close to him in the past two years, so it will be largely on him to make this number.
Women’s 2018 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Winner
Miki Sudo -650
Field (Any Other Competitor) +400
Sudo has not been able to reach the heights of Sonya Thomas, but she has been the best in the women’s division for the last few years. You could argue that she should be an even bigger favorite than Chestnut.
Total hot dogs eaten by Women’s winner
Over 41.5 (+120)
Under 41.5 (-160)
A decent amount of money has come in on the under here. The women’s record is 45, set by Thomas earlier this decade, but Sudo has never been able to eat more than 41 hot dogs. However, she has steadily increased her numbers over the last four years, so over might be a strong play.
Total hot dogs eaten by Joey Chestnut in first minute
Over 12.5 (+105)
Under 12.5 (-145)
In competitive eating, speed is the most important thing. With that in mind, competitors are constantly sprinting through the first minute or two before slowing down at the end. Chestnut is no different and will eat at least 10 dogs in the first 60 seconds.
PETA interrupts competitor at any point during contest
Yes +750
No -2000
PETA is known for stunts, and this fits their M.O. A hot dog eating contest with a television audience might be just the time for something unexpected. It’s unlikely to happen, but it can’t be ruled out.
Will there be a “reversal of fortune” (competitor vomits) during the competition?
Yes +1000
No -2000
It’s been a while since we have seen the most grievous sin in competitive eating at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. However, it’s not uncommon for this to happen at professional eating competitions.
Will the national anthem performer sing the wrong lyrics?
Yes +600
No -1000
The United States has won of the longer national anthems and singers flub words all the time through a combination of nerves and temporary forgetfulness. Making a mistake with the national anthem on Independence Day would be a pretty big error though and potentially a national story.
Will any of the competitors kneel during the national anthem?
Yes +1500
No -3000
It’s very unlikely that this happens considering how tight Nathan’s holds the reins for its biggest event. A competitor that did something like this would likely be banned from future events, but it would make national news.
