In what might be America's greatest 4th of July tradition (and certainly it's most gluttonous) competitive eaters from around the globe congregate at the original Nathan's hot dog stand in Coney Island, N.Y. to stuff their faces with as many hot dogs as possible in a ten minute period. 

The Nathan's hot dog eating competition is in it's 94th year running and has become increasingly popular in the last decade as larger than life, face-stuffers, Joey Chestnut and Japanese arch rival Kobayashi have taken this sport to a new level with their unparralled abilty to eat humungous qualities of Nathan's famous nitrate-filled, sodium laden, tube steaks. Last year, Joey Chestnut beat out Kobayashi by wolfing down a whopping 64 hot dogs in ten minutes -- in case you're wondering, that's about one hot dog every ten seconds for ten minutes!!!  Awesome? Disgusting?  Disgustingly Awesome???  This year, Chestnut says he hopes to put down seventy hot dogs (although Vegas has its doubts and has set the over/under at 61).

While, just watching the competition gives me heartburn, personally, I have to admit I am pretty intrigued and in awe of these "athletes", which leads me to the question:

Is competive eating a sport or just a disgustingly intriging display of gluttony?

Check out this video of Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest against a bear...and then vote sport or non-sport.

My vote - Definitely sport!!! Happy Birthday America!!