A new champion has risen in the world of competitive eating, and his name is Patrick Bertoletti! The 26-year-old from Chicago made waves at the 2024 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at the iconic Coney Island in New York City on July 4th. Bertoletti's incredible feat of devouring 58 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes secured his victory, marking a significant improvement from his previous performance in 2022.
Breaking his personal record, Bertoletti surpassed his own expectations by consuming 58 hot dogs and buns, showcasing his unmatched talent and dedication to the sport. On the women's side, Miki Sudo claimed her 10th title by eating 51 hot dogs and buns, further solidifying her dominance in the competitive eating realm.
However, this year's competition was missing a familiar face - Joey Chestnut, the 16-time Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest champion. Chestnut was notably absent from the event after being barred from competing due to his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based meat company.
The absence of Chestnut stirred controversy within the competitive eating community, with Major League Eating (MLE) expressing disappointment over the situation. Despite efforts to find a resolution, Chestnut's decision to represent a different brand led to his exclusion from the contest, much to the dismay of fans and organizers alike.
In response to the ban, Chestnut took to social media to address the situation, expressing his disappointment and emphasizing his love for the annual event. While unable to defend his title at Nathan's Famous, Chestnut redirected his competitive spirit towards other challenges, including a 5-minute eating contest against soldiers at Fort Bliss on the 4th of July.
Additionally, fans can look forward to an epic showdown between Chestnut and his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live eating contest on Netflix over Labor Day weekend. The special, titled "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," promises to reignite their fierce rivalry and determine the ultimate hot-dog-eating champion.
Through all the ups and downs, the world of competitive eating continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling competitions and larger-than-life personalities. As Patrick Bertoletti basks in his well-deserved victory, the legacy of champions like Joey Chestnut and the enduring rivalries in the sport remind us of the passion and dedication that drive these athletes to push the limits of gastronomic feats.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of competitive eating, where every bite counts and champions are made one hot dog at a time!
