Hot Dog Eating Competition

There are Several things going on in St. Louis this weekend – here is a good link: About St. Louis 15 Top Picks for 4th of July in St. Louis 2014

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition:
I am not certain why I am drawn to it but for the last handful of years I tune into the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Competition televised on ESPN each 4th of July.   There is a St. Louis connection this year since Busch Stadium held a qualifying event in May.   Unfortunately the winner of the qualifier was not from St. Louis (for either the men’s or women’s division).   The Men’s winner ate a pedestrian 27.5 hot dogs (with buns) in 10 minutes.  I say pedestrian because the incumbent Nathan’s Champ (Joey Chestnut) ate 69 last year (a World Record) – can you imagine?!

Like the buildup to an HBO Prize Fight, the show starts with competitor backgrounds so the audience will feel vested.  Ironically, most of the  top competitors look inexplicably fit.  The pre-competition introductions are often very amusing and leads into the crescendo of the champ taking the stage.

For the last 4 years, the only element the competition is missing is sustained suspense.  At around the 5 to 7 minute mark it has been obvious who will will, Chestnut that dominant!  If he is Ali, there has been no Frazier.

My wife can’t figure out how I can watch it since the site of the “athletes” dipping the buns in water to make them go down quicker makes her gag.  Our boys (10 and 13) will only be interested if they have nothing better going on at the time.  I will tune in regardless hoping an unknown rival will create the thrill and suspense of the perfect event!

Have a happy and Safe Fourth of July!!