Patrick Bertoletti, hailing from Chicago, emerged victorious at the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship by devouring an impressive 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. This triumph marked his first men’s title at the annual event held on Coney Island’s Fourth of July celebration. Bertoletti showcased incredible determination and skill as he outpaced 13 competitors from across the globe in a thrilling contest to see who could consume the most hot dogs within the time limit.
In a nail-biting race where the lead kept shifting, the 39-year-old Bertoletti surpassed his previous record of 55 hot dogs, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the challenge. Despite facing tough competition, Bertoletti remained focused on the task at hand, stating, “I wasn’t going to stop eating until the job was done.” His impressive performance not only secured him the coveted victory but also ended reigning champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut’s dominant streak dating back to 2015.
Speaking of Chestnut, the formidable eater opted out of this year’s competition due to a sponsorship disagreement, choosing instead to showcase his skills against soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso later in the day. Chestnut’s absence paved the way for new contenders to shine, with Bertoletti seizing the opportunity to claim the esteemed mustard belt.
In the women’s division, defending champion Miki Sudo of Florida clinched her 10th title by consuming 51 hot dogs, setting a new world record for women in the process. Sudo’s remarkable achievement solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive eating realm, as she outperformed her opponents with skill and finesse.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship attracts thousands of enthusiastic fans each year to witness the thrilling spectacle unfold at Coney Island. Competitors from diverse backgrounds and regions converge to showcase their eating prowess, with participants hailing from various states and countries worldwide. The event’s festive atmosphere, set against the backdrop of Coney Island’s vibrant summer culture, adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the competition.
While Chestnut’s absence may have been felt by fans, the emergence of new champions like Bertoletti and Sudo highlights the evolving landscape of competitive eating. As contenders from different corners of the globe vie for the prestigious title and substantial prize money, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship continues to captivate audiences and inspire awe with each passing year.
The tradition of competitive eating, exemplified by events like the Nathan’s Famous contest, showcases the extraordinary talents and dedication of participants who push the boundaries of gastronomic feats. With records being broken and new champions crowned, the competitive eating scene remains a thrilling spectacle that celebrates human endurance, skill, and sheer determination in the pursuit of culinary excellence.