The world of competitive eating witnessed a significant shift during this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest with Patrick Bertoletti claiming the top spot. The 39-year-old from Illinois devoured an impressive 58 hot dogs in the 10-minute event, securing the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. Additionally, Miki Sudo made history by setting a new record in the women’s division by consuming 51 hot dogs.
A Break from Tradition
The absence of the 16-time winner, Joey Chestnut, marked the end of an era in competitive eating. Chestnut’s falling out with Major League Eating (MLE), the event’s organizer, led to his exclusion from this year’s contest. The rift stemmed from Chestnut’s alleged partnership with a plant-based meat alternative company, which violated MLE’s exclusivity provisions with hot dog maker Nathan’s. Despite Chestnut’s absence, MLE acknowledged his contribution to the sport, referring to him as an “American hero.”
Chestnut, known as “Jaws” in the competitive eating circuit, expressed his disappointment over the banishment and emphasized his love for the event and its fans. The controversy surrounding Chestnut’s endorsement deal highlighted the changing dynamics of the sport and the importance of exclusive partnerships in competitive eating. While the relationship between Chestnut and MLE appears strained at present, there remains a possibility of reconciliation in the future.
Despite the controversy surrounding his exclusion from this year’s competition, Chestnut’s legacy in competitive eating remains unparalleled. Holding records in 55 categories, including eggs, chicken wings, and apple pies, Chestnut has cemented his status as one of the greatest competitive eaters of all time. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest website continues to shower praise on Chestnut, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport.
As the competitive eating landscape evolves, fans are left to ponder the future of the sport without the presence of Joey Chestnut. The recent ESPN broadcast of the 2024 contest acknowledged Chestnut’s absence and the impact it has had on the event. Despite being sidelined from this year’s competition, Chestnut remains active in the competitive eating community, hosting a hot dog eating contest fundraiser for charity at Fort Bliss army base in Texas. His commitment to the sport and charitable endeavors demonstrate his enduring passion for competitive eating.
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