NATHAN'S HOSTS HOT DOG EATING CONTEST IN TIMES SQUARE

(Times Square -- May 17, 2024) -  Spectators and media gathered in front of the 65-foot hot dog sculpture created by Brooklyn-based artist duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw in Times Square to witness the qualifying round Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Nathan's annual hot dog eating contest is held on the Fourth of July, in partnership with Major League Eating. Each year, contestants from around the world attempt to consume as many hot dogs as possible in 10 minutes . Thousands of spectators travel to Coney Island to view the international competition/

Twelve contestants took stage in Times Square to chow down on unlimited Nathan's hot dogs, and move on to compete against World Champion Eating Competitor, Joey Chestnut at the Main Event on the Fourth of July.  With only 10 minutes on the clock, contestants had to consume as many Nathan's hot dogs (and buns) as possible. Other contestants included Yunho Choi from South Korea, Crazy Legs Conti, Olivia Murphy, and Anthony Kamenski stood on stage in attempt to claim a spot for the finals.

Former basketball player Gideon Oji from Nigeria, dominated the men's division, consuming a total of 35 hot dogs  (and buns). In the women's division, Laurel Marie Mele  from Berea, Ohio, took the qualifiers title with a total of 16 hot dogs and buns. Both contestants claimed spots to compete at the Main Event at Coney Island on the Fourth of July.

Following the announcement of Oji's victory, George Shea asked, "How did you feel ?" "To come down here, and win it in Times Square in front of you guys...has been an amazing day! ", Oji replied.

About Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw

Jen Carton (b. 1984, Bluford, Illinois) and Paul Outlaw (b. 1980, Fairhope, Alabama) are Brooklyn-based collaborative artists who create staged, large-scale sculptures, kinetic installations, and participatory experiences and immersive environments that oscillate between the tragic and absurd. Carton and Outlaw met and collaborated while studying at the Cranbrook Academy of Art located outside of Detroit, Michigan. Following graduation, they relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where they currently work and reside. The duo frequently focused on food as it unpacks the complexity of contemporary culture such as capitalism, inequity and consumerism. Their work has been featured at institutions including the Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Cranbrook Art Museum, and Postmasters Gallery. 

About Times Square Arts

Times Square Art, a public program of the Times Square Alliance, collaborates with artists and cultural institutions to experience and engage with  one of the world's most iconic destinations. Through billboards, public plazas, and popular venues, Times Square Arts invites creators to help the public view Times Square in a new perspective. The program ensures that innovation and creativity remain in Times Square's identity.

For information about Hot Dog in the City and public programs, visit http://arts.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-arts/projects/at-the-crossroads/hot-dog-in-the-city/index.aspx