Patrick Bertoletti secured his first title at the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, consuming 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. The victory at the annual Coney Island event followed the absence of 16-time champion Joey Chestnut, who was barred from participating due to a sponsorship conflict with a rival plant-based brand.
How the 2024 Competition Changed
The landscape of competitive eating shifted significantly this year when Major League Eating (MLE) announced that Joey Chestnut would not compete. According to an official statement from Major League Eating, the organization and Nathan’s Famous could not reach an agreement with Chestnut because he chose to represent a different hot dog brand.
Chestnut, who had held the Mustard Belt since 2016 and secured 16 wins throughout his career, responded on social media by stating he was "gutted" to miss the event. While Chestnut was absent from the official Coney Island stage, he participated in a separate, televised exhibition match against Takeru Kobayashi on Labor Day, where he consumed 83 hot dogs to set a new world record.
Who Won the 2024 Men’s Title
Patrick Bertoletti, a veteran competitive eater from Chicago, claimed the 2024 title by eating 58 hot dogs and buns. His performance topped the field, with Geoffrey Esper finishing in second place with 53 hot dogs, and James Webb taking third with 52.
Bertoletti’s victory marked a transition in the sport’s hierarchy. Before this win, Bertoletti had long been a top-tier contender but had consistently finished behind Chestnut in previous years. The 2024 win solidified his standing as the current champion of the Nathan’s Famous circuit.
Results of the Women’s Division
Miki Sudo continued her dominance in the women’s competition, securing her 10th title at the 2024 event. According to ESPN, Sudo consumed 51 hot dogs and buns in the allotted 10 minutes. Mayoi Ebihara finished in second place with 37, while Michelle Lesco placed third with 24. Sudo’s performance remains a benchmark for the division, as she continues to hold the women’s world record of 48.5 hot dogs, which she set in 2023.
Comparison of Recent Winning Totals
The absence of Chestnut led to a lower winning total compared to his record-breaking pace. The following table highlights the winning totals for the men’s division over the last three years:
| Year | Winner | Hot Dogs Consumed |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Patrick Bertoletti | 58 |
| 2023 | Joey Chestnut | 62 |
| 2022 | Joey Chestnut | 63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joey Chestnut excluded from the 2024 contest?
The exclusion stemmed from a contract dispute. Major League Eating stated that Chestnut’s partnership with a competing brand that produces plant-based hot dogs violated the terms of the Nathan’s Famous sponsorship agreement.
How is the winner determined?
Competitors are given 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs and buns as possible. The food must be fully consumed, and contestants are permitted to dunk the buns in water or other liquids to make them easier to swallow.
What happens if a contestant vomits?
Under Major League Eating rules, "reversal of fortune"—the expulsion of food—results in a penalty or disqualification, depending on the severity and timing during the match.
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