New Champion Takes the Crown at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
In a stunning upset at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest, Patrick Bertoletti dethroned Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion for the past 16 years. The competition took place under the scorching sun at the iconic Nathan’s flagship restaurant in Coney Island on July 4th.
Known as “Jaws,” Chestnut was notably absent from this year’s event due to a controversial endorsement deal he struck with Impossible Foods, a rival brand famous for its meatless Impossible Burger. The organizers, Major League Eating, stated that Chestnut had been well aware of the hot dog exclusivity provisions that have been in place for nearly two decades.
A representative from Major League Eating clarified that Chestnut was not banned from the competition but chose not to participate after signing the endorsement deal. This decision left many fans disappointed, as Chestnut had dominated the hot dog eating scene, winning the title for an impressive 16 years.
Despite his absence, Chestnut expressed his devastation and found solace in showcasing his skills at the Fort Bliss army base in El Paso, Texas, where he competed against soldiers on Independence Day.
Prior to this setback, Chestnut had established himself as the number one competitive eater in the world, winning all but one of the Nathan’s hot dog eating contests since 2007. His remarkable feat last year involved consuming 62 dogs in just 10 minutes. However, in 2021, he set a new record by devouring an astonishing 71 links.
Bertoletti’s victory signifies a significant shift in the competitive eating landscape. As a relatively new champion, he has proven that even the most dominant figures can be challenged. This unexpected turn of events adds excitement and anticipation to future competitions, as fans eagerly await Chestnut’s return to defend his legacy and see if Bertoletti can maintain his reign as the new top dog in town.
