The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has a new champion, Pat Bertoletti, who ate 58 hot dogs.
Bertoletti’s victory comes as Americans across the country celebrate Independence Day. During the hot dog eating contest, thousands of fans gather at Conley Island to watch contestants wolf down as many hot dogs (and buns) as possible in ten minutes.
However, one high-profile player is noticeably missing from this year’s roster – 16-time champion Joey Chestnut.
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Hot dogs are ready for the 2024 Nathans Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Leonardo Muñoz/AFP via Getty Images)
He has reportedly been banned from competing in this year’s tournament. Chestnut recently signed a deal with Nathan’s competitor Impossible Foods to launch a vegan sausage, the new york post reported.
Joey Chestnut gears up for Independence Day hot dog contest, faces off against hungry soldiers
Instead, he will compete with soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso starting at 5 p.m. ET.
Chestnut’s absence leaves the door open for a new winner in the men’s division of this traditional Brooklyn event, where diners from around the world will compete for the coveted mustard belt.
FILE – Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2021 Nathans Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, at Coney Islands Maimonides on July 4, 2021 in Brooklyn, New York Posing for photos in the park. (AP Photo/Britney Newman, File)
Last year, Indiana’s Chestnut won the title by devouring 62 dogs and bread in 10 minutes. His record in 2021 is 76.
He was initially removed from the event due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a company that specializes in plant-based meat alternatives.
Competitive foodie Joey Chestnut with his Photo with mustard yellow championship belt. (Brandon Slaughter/Sports Images/Getty Images)
The American Eating Federation, which organizes Nathan’s famous competition, has since said it has lifted the ban, but Chestnut decided to spend the holiday with the troops.
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Chestnut said he would not return to the Coney Island game without an apology.
Impossible Foods will also make donations to organizations that support military families based on the number of hot dogs eaten at the event, a spokesperson said.
Fox News’ Ryan Mollick contributed to this report.
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