Patrick Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Chicago, emerged victorious at the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York by devouring a whopping 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. This marked his first men’s title at the event, showcasing his competitive eating prowess in a close race where the lead changed hands multiple times.
In a post-competition interview, Bertoletti expressed his determination to keep eating until he achieved his goal, emphasizing his focus and preparation leading up to the event. The absence of the reigning champion, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, paved the way for Bertoletti to clinch the coveted title, breaking Chestnut’s streak of consecutive wins since 2015.
Bertoletti’s rigorous three-month training regimen and weight loss efforts paid off as he surpassed his previous record of 55 hot dogs, solidifying his victory and claiming the prestigious Mustard Belt. With Chestnut opting to compete against soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Bertoletti seized the opportunity to showcase his eating skills on the grand stage of Coney Island.
The event also saw defending champion Miki Sudo from Florida securing her 10th women’s title by consuming 51 hot dogs, setting a new world record for women at the contest. Sudo’s triumph underscored her dominance in the competitive eating realm, with her consistent performance and dedication to the sport evident in her impressive win.
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest draws thousands of spectators each year to witness the spectacle of participants from various states and countries vying for victory and the $10,000 prize money. The diverse lineup of contenders adds to the excitement of the event, with competitors hailing from Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and Czechia showcasing their eating abilities on the global stage.
Despite the controversy surrounding Chestnut’s initial exclusion from the competition due to a sponsorship conflict, the event proceeded smoothly, culminating in Bertoletti and Sudo’s triumphs in the men’s and women’s divisions. The lively atmosphere of Coney Island, with its iconic boardwalk and vibrant summer vibe, provided the perfect backdrop for the thrilling contest.
As the dust settles on another exhilarating Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Bertoletti and Sudo stand out as the deserving champions, having demonstrated their exceptional eating skills and unwavering determination to emerge victorious in a fiercely competitive field. Their remarkable performances add to the rich history of the event, showcasing the enduring appeal of competitive eating as a unique and entertaining sport enjoyed by fans worldwide.