There have been 10 pink mustard belts issued all-time at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest since the women’s competition began. And Michelle Lesco is heavily-favored to become the third different champion on Sunday.
Since the women’s competition was introduced in 2011, there have only been two winners: Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas won the first three versions, and Miki Sudo the last seven in a row. Sudo scarfed down 48.5 hot dogs last year to retain her title, a women’s contest record.
But Thomas is retired, and Sudo is pregnant and will be a commentator on this year’s broadcast instead. That leaves “Cardboard Shell” as the huge favorite, with a personal record of 32 dogs eaten in 2017 during the 10 minutes of competition. Last year Larell Marie Mele came in second on the women’s side with just 18 hot dogs, so it seems the field is cleared for Lesco to take down the biggest title in competitive eating.
We’ll see who comes to Coney Island (the field is not completely set as of now, and if Sonya Thomas shows up she’ll be allowed to dive in), but for now the odds have Lesco likely taking home the title.
Here are the odds to win the 2021 Women’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Michelle Lesco: -835
Any other contestant: +450
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