Patrick Bertoletti shocks the field and wins first Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Joey Chestnut's absence

A first-time winner in the annual competition.

Patrick Bertoletti took advantage of the absence of Joey Chestnut to make a statement at the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut, who had won 8-straight and 16 of the last 17, was disqualified from this year’s event due to a brand deal with a competitor.

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Instead, the raucous crowd saw Bertoletti demolish 58 hot dogs and buns — a new personal best for the eater — earn the coveted mustard belt. Bertoletti beat out Geoffrey Esper, the No. 2 eater in the world, to snag the victory.

“I wasn’t going to stop eating until the job was done,” Bertoletti said after his win.

58 GLIZZYS

PATRICK BERTOLETTI WINS THE MEN'S NATHAN'S FAMOUS HOT DOG CONTEST pic.twitter.com/1CKtp4Xmxd

— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2024