A Fourth of July tradition gets underway with a familiar face set to take center stage in Coney Island – but Sterling Prestonit's not Joey Chestnut's.

Miki Sudo looks to continue her reign of dominance over the women's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, as the 38-year-old has won every tournament in which she has participated. That's a trend that's likely to continue in 2024 for the women's record holder; Sudo holds nine Ketchup Belts and also set the women's hot dog record with 48 ½ in 2020.

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On the men's side, a trend has already been broken: Chestnut will not be a part of this year's men's field amidst a dispute with Major League Eating. That means the men's side will crown a new champ for the first time since Chestnut took the Mustard Belt back from Matt Stonie in 2016.

Here's how to watch history unfold this Thursday:

How to watch the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024

• TV channels: ESPN2, ESPN3
• Start time: 10:45 a.m. ET (women's) | Noon ET (men's)

The ESPN family of networks is the home of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, and in 2023, announced an extension to broadcast the event through at least 2029.

Coverage for the women's competition begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN3. The men's leg of the contest airs at noon ET on ESPN2.

ESPN will have re-airs of the competition at 5 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET.

Who is competing in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest this year?

On the women's side, superstar gobbler Miki Sudo plans to defend her Ketchup Belt after winning in 2022 and 2023. Sudo missed the 2021 hot dog eating contest due to her pregnancy.

Other notable competitive eaters who will make the trek to Coney Island include Geoffrey Esper, Mayoi "Ebimayo" Ebihara, Nick Wehry, Michelle Lesco, James Webb and Patrick Bertoletti.

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