Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island crowned a new champion on July 4, as former champion Joey Chestnut was barred from competing. Contestants from around the world gathered in Brooklyn to see who could eat the most hot dogs in just 10 minutes.
Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo take top prizes
In the men’s contest, Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious, while defending champion Miki Sudo made history in the women’s competition. Sudo broke the previous record by consuming 51 hot dogs within the allotted time, marking her 10th win and securing the coveted pink belt. The Florida native defeated 13 other competitors, including last year’s runner-up, Mayoi Ebihara, who managed 37 hot dogs, and third-place contestant Michelle Lesco, who ate 23.5. “Breaking 50 is a milestone for all women, and I’m really excited to be a part of it,” Sudo told the New York Post after her win.
Men’s competition upset
Expectations were high for Geoffrey Esper, last year’s runner-up, but he was ultimately bested by Bertoletti, who devoured 58 hot dogs. Esper finished with 53, while third-place contestant James Webb consumed 32. This marked the first time in 16 years that someone other than Joey Chestnut claimed the title. Chestnut, a 16-time champion, was notably absent, having announced his participation in a different hot dog competition in Fort Bliss, Texas.
The chestnut controversy
On June 11, it was revealed that Chestnut was barred from the contest due to his deal with Impossible Foods, a competitor to Nathan’s, which recently launched a plant-based hot dog.
Major League Eating (MLE) issued a statement expressing their disappointment: “We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
The statement also noted that accommodations were made for Chestnut to compete in a Labor Day contest without brand conflicts. “For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship.”
Chestnut responded via Instagram, claiming the rules had been altered this year: “They are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th contest.”
MLE’s stand on exclusivity
MLE refuted Chestnut’s claims, telling The Independent that he has never been allowed to endorse another hot dog brand. “In return for his fees to appear and compete, Joey agreed every single year to a very simple exclusivity provision — that he would not endorse or sponsor another hot dog brand,” said a representative.
“The idea that Nathan’s or MLE changed the rules this year is as ridiculous as it is silly. What company would pay someone an appearance fee of several hundred thousand dollars and knowingly let them endorse a direct competitor immediately afterward?” The statement continued: “Joey was not banned. Joey chose not to compete in the contest the moment he chose to make an endorsement deal with one of Nathan’s competitors.”
Looking ahead
As the dust settles on this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the focus shifts to future competitions and whether Joey Chestnut will return. For now, Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo stand as the new champions, making their mark in the history of competitive eating.