Patrick Bertoletti has emerged victorious in this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, dethroning the 16-time reigning champ Joey Chestnut. The 26-year-old Chicago native devoured an impressive 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes, claiming the coveted title of the Mustard Belt. This marks a significant shift in the competitive eating world, as Bertoletti seizes the crown from Chestnut, who was sidelined from the competition due to a controversial endorsement deal with Impossible Foods.
With Chestnut out of the picture, other contenders had the opportunity to shine on the grand stage of Coney Island. James Webb, a former professional soccer player from Australia, was favored to take Chestnut’s place at the top. However, it was Geoffrey Esper of Massachusetts who secured the second spot with 53 hot dogs, while Webb settled for third place with 52. The competition saw international participation, with eaters from Brazil and the Czech Republic vying for the top honors.
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo made history by consuming a record-setting 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes, claiming her 10th championship title. The Tampa-based eater, who is pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, bested her previous year’s performance by 11 and a half hot dogs. Her closest competitor, Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, fell short by a staggering 14 hot dogs. Sudo expressed gratitude towards her dental school and family for their support in her competitive eating journey.
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, now in its 108th year, has become a beloved Fourth of July tradition in New York, rivaling the famed Macy’s fireworks display. This year’s event garnered heightened national attention following Chestnut’s exclusion from the competition due to his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods. Despite his affiliation with plant-based products, Chestnut remains unapologetically carnivorous as evidenced by his recent participation in a bologna-eating contest.
While the absence of Chestnut stirred controversy, the show must go on, and the competition unfolded live on ESPN2 and ESPN3 for viewers across the United States. The men’s and women’s contests took place outside Nathan’s iconic Coney Island hot dog stand, with the women’s competition kicking off at 11 a.m. ET followed by the men’s division at noon. The event will be re-aired on ESPN later in the evening, allowing fans to relive the excitement of this year’s unforgettable showdown.
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has ushered in a new era of competitive eating, with fresh faces and record-breaking performances captivating audiences worldwide. As champions rise and dynasties fall, one thing remains constant – the insatiable appetite for victory that drives these athletes to push the limits of gastronomic indulgence.