July 4, that patriotic holiday when Americans celebrate freedom, family, their nation's rich history and...Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs.Since 1972, it's been an annual tradition for men to compete in the Hot Dog Eating Contest. Women joined the fray in 2011 and have participated every year since. And in 2017, they'll all be at it again.After falling to Matthew Stonie in 2015, contest legend Joey Chestnut picked up his ninth title last summer and did so in dominating fashion."Defeat must have left a bad taste in the eight-time champion's mouth," Nathan's website said. "Because in 2016, Joey Chestnut ate his way to a dramatic victory and a new Contest record by devouring 70 hot dogs in 10 minutes."Will Chestnut be able to build on the success of 2016 and find his way into the record books again' Or, will Stonie steal another victory and establish a real rivalry'On the women's side, Miki Sudo has won three straight titles, but her Contest-best score of 38 hot dogs is still seven shy Sonya Thomas' record set in 2012. Will Sudo be able to win for a fourth year in a row and break the record in the process'To find out, tune in to WatchESPN for the women's contest at 11 a.m. ET on July 4, followed by the men's contest at 12:40 p.m. ET on ESPN2.Until then, check out the history of the contest over on Nathan's website, as well as winners from the last 15 years below:2016Joey Chestnut (70 hot dogs)Miki Sudo (38 hot dogs)2015Matthew Stonie (62 hot dogs)Miki Sudo (38 hot dogs)2014Joey Chestnut (61 hot dogs)Miki Sudo (34 hot dogs)2013Joey Chestnut (69 hot dogs)Sonya Thomas (36.75 hot dogs)2012Joey Chestnut (68 hot dogs)Sonya Thomas (45 hot dogs)2011Joey Chestnut (62 hot dogs)Sonya Thomas (40 hot dogs)2010Joey Chestnut (54 hot dogs)2009Joey Chestnut (68 hot dogs)2008Joey Chestnut (59 hot dogs)2007Joey Chestnut (66 hot dogs)2006Takeru Kobayashi2005Takeru Kobayashi2004Takeru Kobayashi2003Takeru Kobayashi2002Takeru Kobayashi
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