4 Things to know about the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

What better way to celebrate America’s independence than with hot dogs. Lots of them.

Get ready for some real fast food as contestants spar in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Brooklyn, NY Saturday.

Here's a quick guide of what to know:

How did the hot dog eating contest get started?

Legend has it that the contest got started between some friends to prove their patriotism shortly after Nathan Handwerker opened his first hot dog stand near Surf and Stillwell avenues in 1916, according to Nathan's Famous.

Now, more than 35,000 people witness the eating event live and even more watch as it is televised on ESPN as well.

Who's favored to win?

For the men, Joey Chestnut, an eight time winner, all-time record holder and top ranked competitive eater is looking for his ninth title. He ate 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2013.

For the women, Sonya Thomas, who holds the women's record for most hot dogs eaten, looks to regain her title from Miki Sudo, last year's winner who downed 34.

What's the record for hot dogs eaten?

Chestnut set the men's record for eating 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2013. Thomas holds the record for women with 45 hots dogs eaten in 10 minutes in 2012.

What does the winner get?

Aside from bragging rights and the glory that comes with competitive eating, the contest pays out $40,000 in prize money.

Nathan's Famous also donates 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City, according to Major League Eating, the governing body for competitive eating.

Cox Media Group