The world of competitive eating witnessed a major shift recently with Patrick Bertoletti emerging as the new champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. After a longstanding reign by 16-time winner Joey Chestnut, Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Illinois, consumed an impressive 58 hot dogs in this year’s 10-minute event, claiming the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. On the women’s side, Miki Sudo set a new record by devouring 51 wieners.
The departure of Joey Chestnut from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest came after a falling out with Major League Eating (MLE), the event’s organizer. MLE announced its decision to part ways with Chestnut due to a rule prohibiting participants from striking endorsement deals with competitors of Nathan’s, the hot dog maker. The organization claimed that Chestnut had partnered with a plant-based meat alternative company, which led to the termination of their relationship.
In response to MLE’s decision, Joey Chestnut expressed his disappointment, stating that he was not under contract with MLE or Nathan’s. He claimed that the endorsement ban was a departure from the organization’s previous rules regarding partnerships. Despite the rift with MLE, Chestnut expressed his love for the competition and his dedication to defending his title as the reigning champion.
Joey Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” holds an impressive record in competitive eating, with victories in 55 different categories including eggs, chicken wings, and apple pies. Although the relationship between Chestnut and MLE may have soured, the organization still considers him an “American hero” and expressed a desire for him to return in the future, provided he is not representing a competitor of Nathan’s.
The absence of Joey Chestnut from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has left a void in the competitive eating world, as reflected in ESPN’s broadcast of the 2024 event. References to Chestnut as the “Warren Buffett of the buffet” highlight his iconic status in the sport. However, Chestnut continues to engage with his fans through events like livestreamed hot dog eating contests for charity, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the sport.
The departure of Joey Chestnut from the competitive eating scene marks a significant moment of change in a sport that has long been dominated by his prowess. As new champions like Patrick Bertoletti emerge and the landscape of competitive eating competitions continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Joey Chestnut’s legacy as a titan of competitive eating will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the sport for years to come.