Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2015: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Replay Info

Joey Chestnut has carved out a niche for himself during the annual Independence Day celebrations with his dominance in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. On Saturday, the American is seeking to raise the coveted Mustard Belt for the ninth consecutive year.

He could face his toughest competition since the days of his memorable encounters with Japanese sensation Takeru Kobayashi, though. Matt "Megatoad" Stonie has steadily grown into a serious threat to the champion's throne, finishing second last year.

The women's contest, which was won by Miki Sudo in 2014, happens first at 11 a.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN3. That's followed by the competitive eating's marquee showcase from Coney Island. So let's check out all of the key information, along with an event preview.

Viewing Details

Where: Coney Island in New York City

When: Saturday, July 4 at noon ET

Watch: ESPN2

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Replay Info: ESPN2 at 1 p.m ET and ESPN at 4 p.m. ET

Event Preview

Starting in 2010, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest basically became an annual coronation for Chestnut to further establish himself as the best "big game" eater on the planet. Kobayashi was out of the picture because of contract disputes, and nobody else could truly compete.

The drama finally returned last July 4 with Stonie living up to the hype as an eater who could give his fellow San Jose, California, resident a legitimate challenge. He couldn't pull off the upset, falling five dogs short, but he sent a message that resonates now.

Chestnut, 31, admitted he's concerned about the potential his 23-year-old counterpart showed last year. He told Gersh Kuntzman of the New York Daily News that his past success in major events speaks for itself, but there's still part of him that understands the threat.

"Yeah I'm worried about him—the kid can eat," Chestnut said. "He's like a really young, skinny, feminine version of me."

In turn, Stonie told the outlet that while he knows the door is open, he also realizes the eight-time champion builds his entire year around this day.

"I know he's vulnerable," Stonie said. "The problem is, he brings 100 percent at Nathan's. At another contest, he might have a bad day, but not at Nathan's."

Quite simply, it's a two-eater race unless there's a completely unexpected development. Everybody else is battling for third place.

Major League Eating is hyping it as such:

Although there have been recent rumors from the New York Daily News about one more clash between Chestnut and Kobayashi—possibly in 2016—that falls into the same category as the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao did for so long. It's all just talk until something is made official.

In the meantime, the focus is on the budding rivalry between Chestnut and Stonie. The question this year is whether the longtime reigning champion can reassert his dominance, or if the rising star can further close the gap or maybe even provide an Independence Day upset.

The uncertainty should make for 10 highly entertaining minutes.