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In a surprising turn of events, Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, dethroning the 16-time champion Joey Chestnut. Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Illinois, devoured an impressive 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes, securing the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo set a new record in the women’s division by consuming 51 wieners.
This year’s contest was particularly noteworthy due to the rift between Chestnut and Major League Eating (MLE), the contest’s organizer. MLE announced its decision to part ways with Chestnut last month, citing a rule that prohibits participants from endorsing rival brands of hot dogs. Allegations surfaced that Chestnut had partnered with a plant-based meat alternative company, leading to his exclusion from the competition.
Despite the controversy, Chestnut remains a celebrated figure in the competitive eating world, holding records in 55 categories. The MLE referred to him as an “American hero” and expressed openness to his return under different circumstances.
While Chestnut’s absence was palpable at this year’s event, the competition continued to captivate audiences worldwide. ESPN’s coverage of the contest drew comparisons to the “Warren Buffett of the buffet,” highlighting Chestnut’s iconic status in the sport.
For fans eager to see Chestnut in action, he will be livestreaming a hot dog eating contest from the Fort Bliss army base in Texas as a charity fundraiser. Don’t miss the show starting at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday!
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