Controversy Hits Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
In a shocking twist, Nick Wehry, a competitor in this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, is facing allegations of cheating to boost his score. Wehry, the husband of women’s division champion Miki Sudo, is accused of using sleight of hand to artificially inflate his tally, placing him among the elite eaters.
Accusations and evidence
Sources close to the competition claim Wehry manipulated plates during the July Fourth event to appear as though he had consumed more hot dogs than he actually did. “100% he cheated,” one source told The Post. Video footage suggests Wehry moved plates around on the table, raising suspicions about his true count.
Major League Eating (MLE), which oversees the contest, conducted an investigation but decided not to overturn the judges’ final decision. “MLE investigated, carefully considering the complaint and reviewing the video provided to us,” the organization stated, declining to comment further on the matter.
Contest results and reactions
Patrick Bertoletti emerged as the champion, devouring 58 hot dogs in the 10-minute contest. Wehry initially had a respectable score of 46.75 but later saw his official tally inexplicably rise to 51.75, just enough to place him in the upper echelon of competitive eaters. Wehry has denied all accusations, stating, “I stole nothing” and “I would never cheat at a contest.”
The allegations have sent ripples through the competitive eating community, where integrity is paramount. Disqualification due to cheating is unprecedented in MLE-sanctioned events, though past competitions have faced similar controversies. As the debate continues, the integrity of future contests hangs in the balance.
Historical context and previous scandals
The competitive eating world has seen its share of disputes. In 1998, Hirofumi Nakajima faced accusations of using muscle relaxants, and in 2011, Steve Keiner was alleged to have started eating before the contest began. These incidents underscore the importance of maintaining fairness and transparency in the sport.
As the investigation unfolds, the competitive eating community awaits the final word on Wehry’s alleged misconduct. The outcome will not only impact his reputation but also the standards and future of this unique sport.