Chicago’s Pride Patrick Bertoletti Wins Men’s Hot Dog Contest
History was made at the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Competition when Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago emerged as the victor in the men’s event. His impressive feat of devouring 58 hot dogs secured his position at the top and won him the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt. This showdown was all the more intense, given that the reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, was not present at the competition this time.
New Women’s Record Set by Miki Sudo
While Bertoletti was conquering the men’s event, an equally enthralling face-off was unfolding on the women’s side. Miki Sudo, a New Yorker and 10-time winner, smashed the women’s record by gobbling up 51 hot dogs. Her phenomenal performance earned her top honors in the women’s competition.
A Glimpse into the Annual Hot Dog Battle
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Competition, an annual tradition since 1972, has one primary rule – whoever gulps down the most hot dogs in ten minutes wins a sweet $10,000. Every Fourth of July, about 20 professional eaters descend on the junction of Surf and Stillwell Ave. to showcase their eating prowess.
Why was Chestnut Absent?
News quickly spread about the noticeable absence of Chestnut, the 16-time reigning men’s champion, from this year’s competition. Last year, Chestnut had astounded spectators by consuming 62 hot dogs and bagging top honors. However, this year, Chestnut decided to bow out owing to a contract dispute with Impossible Foods, a company offering vegetable-based hot dogs.
Chestnut’s Eat-Off with U.S Troops
Though away from the Nathan’s contest, Chestnut was not entirely absent from the eating scene. He planned to join a separate competition at Fort Bliss in Texas with U.S Troops. Chestnut rose to prominence back in 2007 when he beat Takeru “The Tsunami” Kobayashi, ending his reign. Chestnut’s world record of consuming 76 hot dogs in 2021 still stands unbroken.
Kobayashi’s Reign and Fallout with Major League Eating
Kobayashi, who reigned supreme from 2001 to 2006, had a bitter fallout with the event organizers at Major League Eating in 2007. During his reign, he astonishingly doubled the previous record by consuming 50 hot dogs in 2001. Kobayashi’s secret weapon was “The Solomon Method.” This technique involved sticking half a hot dog in their mouths, dipping the remainder — bun and all — into water before swiftly swallowing.
The Renewed Rivalry
On the horizon is a much-anticipated event. The rivalry between Chestnut and Kobayashi will rekindle on September 2, when they face each other in a contest airing on Netflix. All eyes are on these two competitive eating titans as they prepare to battle it out once again.
Highlighted in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Competition are the themes of triumph, record-breaking feats, and intensive rivalry. Despite the absence of some key players, the event proved to be thrilling, as new victors emerged, leaving spectators eagerly awaiting the September showdown. Stay tuned for more updates.