Chicago’s Patrick Bertoletti Crowned New Hot Dog Eating Champion
CHICAGO — Patrick Bertoletti, a Chicago native and graduate of Morgan Park Academy, has claimed the title at the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. In a stunning performance, Bertoletti devoured 58 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, marking a personal best for the 39-year-old competitive eater.
Bertoletti, who is currently ranked 9th in the world by Major League Eating, achieved this feat without his trademark mohawk, which he ditched for the nationally-televised event held on New York’s Coney Island. “I was focused today. No mohawk,” he told the ESPN broadcast moments after his victory. “I wasn’t going to stop eating until the job was done.”
A Contest Missing Its Usual King
This year’s competition was notably missing its perennial champion, Joey Chestnut, who had been banned from the contest by Major League Eating after signing an endorsement deal with plant-based hot dog maker Impossible Foods. Chestnut, who had dominated the event with 16 titles, including the last eight, set a record in 2021 by consuming 76 hot dogs and buns. His absence opened the door for Bertoletti to seize the coveted Nathan’s Mustard Belt.
“Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. But today I’m getting married,” Bertoletti joked after his win. “… Three months of practice. Dedication. I just can’t believe it. Always second or third and this is big. There was an urgency with Joey not here. I had a shot. I was able to unlock something that I don’t know where it came from, but I’m not complaining.”
The Rewards of Victory
With his victory, Bertoletti not only earns the Mustard Belt but also takes home $10,000 in prize money, along with increased recognition and status within the competitive eating circuit. This win marks a significant milestone in Bertoletti’s career, which has seen him consistently place behind Chestnut in previous years.
Bertoletti’s Competitive Eating Career
Bertoletti, who grew up in Palos Heights and attended Morgan Park and Kendall College, has an impressive track record in competitive eating. Before his latest triumph, his best performance at the Nathan’s contest was 55 hot dogs in 2011. Beyond hot dogs, Bertoletti has set records in various food competitions, including eating 47 16-inch slices of pizza in 10 minutes, 47 doughnuts in 5 minutes, 21 pounds of grits in 10 minutes, 275 jalapeño peppers in 8 minutes, 42 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 10 minutes, and 408 oysters in 8 minutes.
In 2015, Bertoletti and a partner opened the Taco In A Bag walking taco restaurant in Lincoln Square, which unfortunately closed in 2020.
Looking Forward
Bertoletti’s victory is a testament to his dedication and skill in the world of competitive eating. As he steps into the spotlight, the competitive eating community eagerly anticipates what he will achieve next. For more updates and information on Patrick Bertoletti and other competitive eating events, fans can visit the Major League Eating website.
With this win, Patrick Bertoletti has cemented his place in the annals of competitive eating history, proving that with determination and focus, new champions can emerge to claim their moment of glory.
