Patrick Bertoletti wins Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024
The 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest saw a new champion crowned in the men’s division. Patrick Bertoletti, a 39-year-old dental hygiene student from Chicago, emerged victorious after devouring a staggering 58 hot dogs and buns in a ten-minute battle.
This year’s contest was marked by a notable absence: Joey Chestnut, the long-reigning champion, was disqualified due to a contract dispute with sponsor Major League Eating. The venue also saw a change, moving from its usual spot in Coney Island to a new location in Brooklyn.
Despite these changes, the competitive spirit remained strong. In the women’s division, Miki Sudo, a familiar face and “Queen of the Mustard Belt,” secured her 10th win by gulping down an impressive 51 hot dogs and buns. This accomplishment set a new record for the women’s competition.
For Bertoletti, this victory was particularly significant. It marked his first Nathan’s Famous championship title after nine years of competing. The competition was fierce, with Bertoletti battling it out with fellow eaters James Webb, Geoffrey Esper, and King Yamamoto. Throughout the ten minutes, the lead changed hands several times, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is a unique sporting event with a simple premise: devour as many hot dogs as possible within a ten-minute time limit. Competitors strategically employ techniques like the “dunk” (dipping the hot dog in water to make it slippery) and the “shove” (pushing the hot dog down the throat with water) to maximize their intake. This year’s power couple of competitive eating, Bertoletti and Sudo, showcased their honed skills and unwavering determination.
The weather conditions were perfect for the hot dog-eating spectacle. A bright sunny day in Brooklyn provided the backdrop for this annual display of competitive gluttony.
Following his win, Bertoletti expressed his desire to maintain his training regimen and return for another shot at the title next year. The internet buzzed with reactions, with some congratulating the new champion and others lamenting the absence of the legendary Joey Chestnut. CNN’s coverage of the event highlighted the audience’s fascination with competitive eating, a niche sport that continues to captivate viewers year after year.
The 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest delivered a new champion and a record-breaking performance in the women’s division. With a new venue and a fresh face on the men’s podium, the future of competitive eating promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever.