The highly anticipated Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest took place this year with a surprising twist. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning men’s champion and a crowd favorite with 16 out of 17 previous wins, was notably absent from the competition due to a sponsorship dispute. This created an opportunity for other contestants to step up and claim the title.
In a thrilling 10-minute race, Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago emerged victorious by consuming an impressive 58 hot dogs. Bertoletti, who had been diligently preparing for the event for three months, managed to beat out 13 competitors from around the world. With the absence of Chestnut, Bertoletti seized the opportunity to showcase his skills and claim the coveted title.
Women’s Champion Sets World Record
On the women’s side, defending champion Miki Sudo put on a phenomenal performance by downing an astonishing 51 hot dogs, setting a new world record in the process. Sudo, a dental hygiene student from Florida, outperformed her competitors and secured her 10th title at the competition. Her dedication and competitive spirit were on full display as she dominated the field.
While Chestnut chose not to participate in the Coney Island contest, he took on a different challenge later in the day at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas. Competing against four soldiers, Chestnut managed to devour 57 hot dogs in five minutes, showcasing his unmatched eating abilities. Despite the change in venue, Chestnut’s performance was nothing short of impressive.
Bertoletti’s victory marked a significant moment in the history of the hot dog eating contest, as it was the first time since 2015 that someone other than Chestnut claimed the men’s title. This shift in dominance signifies a new era in competitive eating, where emerging talents are proving themselves on the world stage. The absence of the reigning champion opened the door for new faces to shine and showcase their eating prowess.
Celebration and Community
The annual Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest is a beloved tradition that draws thousands of fans to Coney Island each year. Despite Chestnut’s absence, the event was still filled with excitement and energy, as spectators showed up to support their favorite contestants. The sense of community and celebration surrounding the competition is a testament to the enduring popularity of the event.
The 2023 Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest was a memorable and eventful competition that saw new champions crowned and records broken. While Chestnut’s absence was felt, it allowed for new stars like Bertoletti and Sudo to shine on the competitive eating stage. As the tradition continues to thrive, fans can look forward to more thrilling contests and surprising outcomes in the years to come.
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