Joey Chestnut may not have competed in the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island … but the competition was still a memorable one.
First up, Miki Sudo made history with her recent win at the annual contest … as she set a new world record in the women’s division. The dental hygiene student from Florida nabbed her 10th women’s title Thursday, where she consumed 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes … 11 and 1/2 more than last year’s competition.
Miki beat her own personal best, as she previously ate 48 and 1/2 hot dogs in a prior competition. Remember, 48 and 1/2 hot dogs was the women’s world record heading into Thursday’s competition.
While Miki was the reigning champion, she wasn’t necessarily a shoo-in to win the Fourth of July tradition. Among the other 14 competitors was her rival, Mayoi Ebihara of Japan.
Mayoi — who was also the runner-up in 2023 — came in 2nd place after consuming 37 hot dogs in 10 minutes time.
All eyes then turned to the men’s competition … where, with Joey’s exit in June, anyone could emerge victorious. Patrick Bertoletti of Illinois emerged the victor on the 4th … as he ate 58 hot dogs, breaking his personal record of 55 hot dogs.
The race was a tight one, as Patrick was neck and neck with Australian James Web-band last year’s runner-up Geoff Esper. Ultimately, Patrick nabbed the win — and the $10K cash prize.
He added moments after winning … “I wasn’t going to stop eating until the job was done.”
Geoff ended up in 2nd place again … as he ate 53 hot dogs in total.
For those missing Joey at the competition, the 16-time champ will be competing at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas later on the 4th … after being booted from Nathan’s contest over an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods.
Stay tuned!!!
