2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest odds, predictions: Betting expert reveals his picks for Fourth of July competition

One of the Fourth of July mainstays returns to Coney Island in New York City on Saturday as Joey Chestnut looks to defend his title at the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Among the world's top competitive eaters will look to dethrone Chestnut, who has won the Nathan's competition 17 times. He holds the record for most hot dogs eaten with 76 in 10 minutes.

Chestnut is the -2000 favorite (risk $2,000 to win $100) in the men's division in the 2026 Hot Dog Eating Contest odds. Meanwhile, on the women's side, 11-time Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Miki Sudo is the -1200 favorite. The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. ET.

Before making any 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest picks or predictions, you need to see what SportsLine writer Matt Severance has to say. 

Severance is a well-connected writer and high-volume handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. After joining SportsLine, he quickly established himself as a top expert in multiple sports. Anyone who has consistently followed him is way up.

For the 2026 Hot Dog Eating Contest, we can tell you Severance is leaning Under 72.5 hot dogs for Chestnut.

Severance has broken down both contests and locked in a plus-money prop involving Chestnut as his best bet! You ABSOLUTELY need to see what they are before locking in any 2026 Hot Dog Eating Contest picks of your own.

So what are the best bets for the 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest? ... Join SportsLine right now to get Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2026 picks, all from the betting expert who has worked in the industry since 2005!