Miki Sudo and Patrick Bertoletti emerged as the champions of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at Coney Island in New York. Sudo, a seasoned competitor, clinched her 10th title in the women’s division by devouring a record-breaking 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Bertoletti, a dark horse from Chicago, seized his first men’s title by consuming 58 hot dogs, marking a significant victory in the absence of the event’s biggest star, Joey Chestnut.
The competition was fierce, with Bertoletti’s win coming after a tight 10-minute race where the lead changed hands multiple times. The 39-year-old Bertoletti outpaced 13 competitors from around the globe, showcasing his determination and preparation. “I wasn’t going to stop eating until the job was done,” Bertoletti said, reflecting on his focused approach to the contest.
Bertoletti’s victory was particularly notable as it marked the first time since 2015 that someone other than Chestnut claimed the mustard belt. Chestnut, who has dominated the competition for years, was absent due to a sponsorship dispute. Instead, he participated in a separate event at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, where he competed against soldiers. Despite his absence, the crowd at Coney Island was enthusiastic, with thousands of fans donning foam hot dog hats and cheering on the competitors.
In the women’s division, Sudo’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She not only defended her title but also set a new world record for women by eating 51 hot dogs. “I’m just happy to call this mine for another year,” Sudo said after securing her 10th pink belt. Her victory was a testament to her skill and dedication, as she outperformed her previous record of 48.5 hot dogs set in 2020.
Sudo’s closest competitor, Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, managed to eat 37 hot dogs, securing second place for the second consecutive year. Sudo’s partner, Nicholas Wehry, also competed in the men’s division, consuming 46 hot dogs. The event drew competitors from over a dozen states and five continents, including participants from Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic, all vying for the coveted title and the $10,000 prize money.
Bertoletti’s win was a culmination of months of preparation. He revealed that he had lost weight and practiced with a sense of urgency, knowing that Chestnut’s absence gave him a unique opportunity. “With Joey not here, I knew I had a shot,” he said. “I was able to unlock something that I don’t know where it came from. But I’m not complaining.” His victory was a life-changing moment, as he finally claimed the title after years of finishing second or third.
The event’s organizers, Major League Eating, emphasized that Chestnut was not banned from the competition but had chosen to participate in a different event due to a sponsorship conflict. Rich Shea, CEO of Major League Eating, noted the continued enthusiasm of the fans despite Chestnut’s absence. “Just a great competitor, a great guy, a grown man, and a man who’s made a choice not to be here today,” Shea said on ESPN. “But fortunately for us, tens of thousands of people are crowding around Nathan’s Famous. It’s a pilgrimage every year. This is not a paid Hollywood crowd. This is excitement.”
Chestnut’s separate event at Fort Bliss in El Paso was also a spectacle. Competing against four soldiers, Chestnut managed to eat 57 hot dogs in five minutes, raising $106,000 for military families. “Hot dogs on the Fourth of July in front of people who are celebrating America – it doesn’t get any better than this,” Chestnut said, reflecting on the unique experience.
Despite the controversy surrounding his absence from the Nathan’s Famous contest, Chestnut remains a beloved figure in the world of competitive eating. Major League Eating expressed hope that he would return to the competition in the future, provided he resolves his sponsorship issues. “Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he has dominated for years. We hope that he returns when he is not representing a rival brand,” the organization said in a statement.
As the dust settled on this year’s contest, the focus was on the new champions. Bertoletti’s triumph was a testament to his perseverance and skill, while Sudo’s continued dominance in the women’s division highlighted her status as the top female competitive eater. Both champions expressed their excitement and gratitude, looking forward to future competitions and the chance to defend their titles.
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest remains a beloved tradition, drawing fans and competitors from around the world. This year’s event, marked by new records and unexpected victories, was a celebration of competitive eating at its finest.
Source: Associated Press, CNN, TODAY.com
