This is the day gastro-capacity enthusiasts have been waiting for. The crown jewel of competitive munching, Nathan's hot dog eating contest, is upon us.

But this sport is no game -- it takes hard work, resolve and, most importantly, a preternatural control of the gag reflex. It's a combination of abilities few possess, and even fewer care to hone, but that doesn't mean we aren't in awe of anyone who can down dozens of dogs in less time than it takes to recount all of the ingredients contained in a single wiener.

So to mark the occasion, we've collected pics from various food-chomping contests, but just like the competitions themselves, some of these shots are not for the faint of stomach. Bon appétit.

Competitve Eating

    Joey Chestnut is declared the winner of the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

    AP

    Takeru Kobayashi, of Japan, left, and Joey Chestnut battle to eat the most hot dogs in under ten minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

    AP

    Joey Chestnut holds up the mustard belt after winning the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

    AP

    Takeru Kobayashi, from Japan, left, Joey Chestnut, center, and Sonya Thomas battle to eat the most hot dogs at the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

    AP

    Takeru Kobayashi, of Japan, left, and Joey Chestnut battle to eat the most hot dogs in under ten minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)

    AP

    NEW YORK - JULY 4: Competetors in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest eat hot dogs July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - JULY 4: Takeru Kobayashi (L) and Joey Chestnut (C) compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - JULY 4: Takeru Kobayashi (L) and Joey Chestnut (C) compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

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    NEW YORK - JULY 4: Hot dog eating fanatics wait for the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Joey Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - JULY 4: Two police officers look over the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Joey Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

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