A new champion has emerged in the world of competitive eating. Patrick Bertoletti triumphed at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, held annually on July 4, marking the end of Joey Chestnut’s 16-time winning streak. Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Illinois, devoured 58 hot dogs in the 10-minute contest, securing the Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. In the women’s division, Miki Sudo set a new record by consuming 51 hot dogs.
This year’s contest was notably more open due to Chestnut’s fallout with the event’s organizer, Major League Eating (MLE). Last month, MLE announced it was parting ways with Chestnut, citing a rule that participants cannot endorse rival products to hot dog maker Nathan’s. MLE accused Chestnut of partnering with a plant-based meat alternative company, which led to his disqualification. Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” had been posting images on Instagram featuring Impossible Foods.
“For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions,” MLE stated in June. “However, Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.” Chestnut, 40, expressed his disappointment, stating he was “gutted to learn from the media” of his banishment. He claimed he did not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s and said the endorsement ban was a change from previous rules.
Despite the controversy, MLE acknowledged Chestnut’s significant contributions to competitive eating, calling him an “American hero” and expressing a desire for his return once he is no longer representing a competitor. Chestnut holds records in 55 eating categories, including eggs, chicken wings, and apple pies.
Nathan’s website also continues to praise Chestnut, referring to him as the “king” in a section celebrating his 2023 win. During ESPN’s broadcast of the 2024 contest, Chestnut’s absence was frequently mentioned, with one reference calling him the “Warren Buffett of the buffet.”
Although Chestnut did not participate in this year’s Nathan’s contest, he remains active in the competitive eating scene. He is livestreaming a hot dog eating contest from the Fort Bliss army base in Texas as a charity fundraiser. The event is set to begin at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday. Chestnut shared his excitement on Instagram, stating, “The 4th wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t celebrating by eating a whole lot of all-beef hot dogs.”
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