<Li> individuals qualifying as one of two wildcards (highest two average qualifier scores without winning a single qualifier); and </Li> <Li> those invited by special invitation of the MLE . (See "Controversies" section below .) </Li> <P> The competitors stand on a raised platform behind a long table with drinks and Nathan's Famous hot dogs in buns . Most contestants have water on hand, but other kinds of drinks can and have been used . Condiments are allowed, but usually are not used . The hot dogs are allowed to cool slightly after grilling to prevent possible mouth burns . The contestant that consumes (and keeps down) the most hot dogs and buns (HDB) in ten minutes is declared the winner . The length of the contest has changed over the years, previously 12 minutes, and in some years, only three and a half minutes; since 2008, 10 minutes . </P> <P> Spectators watch and cheer the eaters on from close proximity . A designated scorekeeper is paired with each contestant, flipping a number board counting each hot dog consumed . Partially eaten hot dogs count and the granularity of measurement is eighths of a length . Hot dogs still in the mouth at the end of regulation count if they are subsequently swallowed . Yellow penalty cards can be issued for "messy eating," and red penalty cards can be issued for "reversal of fortune", which results in disqualification . If there is a tie, the contestants go to a 5 - hot - dog eat - off to see who can eat that many more quickly . Further ties will result in a sudden - death eat - off of eating one more hot dog in the fastest time . </P>

What's the time limit for the nathan's hotdog eating contest