The hot dog eating world has a new champion in the form of Patrick Bertoletti. At the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on July 4th, Bertoletti consumed an impressive 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. This victory marks the end of an era following Joey Chestnut’s longstanding reign as the 16-time winner of the competition. With an impressive performance, the 39-year-old from Illinois secured the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category, solidifying his place at the top of the competitive eating world.
Joey Chestnut’s departure from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest came as a shock to many after his falling out with the event’s organizer, Major League Eating (MLE). The rift between Chestnut and MLE stemmed from a disagreement over endorsement deals with competitors of Nathan’s, the hot dog maker associated with the event. MLE announced their decision to part ways with Chestnut, citing a breach of their exclusive hot dog provisions. This move left Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” feeling blindsided and disappointed after 19 years of participation in the event.
Aside from Bertoletti’s impressive win, Miki Sudo set a new record in the women’s division by consuming 51 hot dogs. With Chestnut out of the picture, the competition was considered much more wide open than in previous years, allowing for new talent to rise to the top. Despite the controversy surrounding Chestnut’s departure, the focus shifted towards the remarkable performances of Bertoletti and Sudo, showcasing the diverse talent in the world of competitive eating.
The fallout between Chestnut and MLE highlighted a departure from traditional practices in the competitive eating world. While Chestnut remains a record holder in 55 categories, including eggs, chicken wings, and apple pies, his absence from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest raised questions about the future of the event. Even as the competition moved forward without him, references to Chestnut during ESPN’s broadcast of the 2024 contest served as a reminder of his legacy and impact on the sport.
As the hot dog eating world adjusts to the absence of Joey Chestnut, a new chapter is unfolding with champions like Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo leading the way. While Chestnut’s presence is missed by fans and organizers alike, the emergence of new talent signals a shift in the competitive eating landscape. As the spotlight shines on rising stars in the sport, the legacy of champions like Chestnut continues to loom large, shaping the future of competitive eating for years to come.
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