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.