New talent welcome at Nathan’s hot-dog eating contest

World champion Joey Chestnut will be on hand Saturday to oversee the Charlotte regional qualifier for the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest.

The contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Speed Street in uptown Charlotte.

“Some of the most accomplished eaters in the world will compete at this event, but we also are seeking new talent in Charlotte to represent our nation on the most patriotic day of the year,” said George Shea, chair of Major League Eating, which sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Circuit and ensures that safety standards are in place.

“It is a dream come true for American athletes to eat Nathan’s hot dogs on July 4 in Coney Island,” Shea said in a news release announcing the regional qualifier.

The top male and female finishers in Charlotte will qualify for a seat at the finals July 4 in Coney Island, where they will face reigning champions Chestnut and Miki Sudo.

Chestnut, of San Jose, Calif., holds the current world record for eating 69 Nathan’s hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, and he will seek his ninth straight title July 4, a world record.

Sudo, of Las Vegas, Nev., will defend her title as female champion, having consumed 34 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in 2014.

In recent years, an estimated 35,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island to watch the contest in person. The live telecast of the event has attracted millions of viewers since ESPN first aired the contest in 2004.

Those interested in competing in the qualifier should visit www.majorleagueeating.com to obtain information and register. All competitors must be over 18.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 1:40 PM with the headline "New talent welcome at Nathan’s hot-dog eating contest."