Patrick Bertoletti has emerged as the new champion in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, dethroning the 16-time winner Joey Chestnut. Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Illinois, devoured a staggering 58 hot dogs in this year’s 10-minute spectacle, earning him the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo set a new record by consuming 51 wieners, showcasing the fierce competition and talent in the world of competitive eating.
After a falling out with Major League Eating, the event’s organizer, Joey Chestnut’s reign as the hot dog eating king came to an end. The beef between Chestnut and MLE stemmed from a rule that prohibited participants from striking endorsement deals with competitors of Nathan’s, the hot dog maker. MLE claimed that Chestnut had partnered with a plant-based meat alternative company, leading to his departure from the competition. Despite the controversy, Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” remains a formidable force in competitive eating, holding records in 55 categories.
In response to his banishment, Chestnut expressed his disappointment, stating that he was “gutted to learn from the media” about his removal from the competition after nearly two decades of participation. While the relationship between Chestnut and MLE appears strained, the organization referred to him as an “American hero” and extended an invitation for his return under different circumstances. Nathan’s website continues to praise Chestnut as the reigning king of competitive eating, highlighting his legacy in the sport.
ESPN’s broadcast of the 2024 contest paid homage to Chestnut, acknowledging his absence and the impact it had on the competition. Described as the “Warren Buffett of the buffet,” Chestnut’s presence is still felt in the competitive eating world despite his contentious departure from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Fans can catch Chestnut in action during a livestreamed hot dog eating contest fundraiser for charity, showcasing his dedication to the sport and his commitment to giving back to the community.
With Patrick Bertoletti’s rise to the top of the hot dog eating world, a new era has dawned in competitive eating. His impressive performance and victory at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest signal a shifting landscape in the sport, where new champions emerge and legends are made. As the competition continues to evolve, Bertoletti’s win marks a significant moment in the history of competitive eating, setting the stage for future contenders to rise to the challenge and carve out their own place in the annals of competitive eating history.
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