There's officially a new Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest winner in town! On July 4, dark horse Patrick Bertoletti officially took over the title from reigning champ Joey Chestnut, who was previously crowned the winner of the annual competition 16 times. Chestnut noted on social media in June that he . “It’s go time! Are you with me Brooklyn?” announcer George Shea asked the crowd at Coney Island during his signature grand introduction.
Ten minutes after Shea welcomed each contestant to the stage by sharing some dramatic and funny background information, the Mustard Belt was placed around a new winner in the men's division for the first time in eight years. Shea raised Bertoletti's arm in victory and he held the shiny belt over his head. His performance marked his first career title.
The announcers deemed it the closest competition since 2015. Bertoletti came into the event ranked No. 9 in the world.
"It was all focus today," he told Shea. "I wasn't going to stop eating until the job was done." He later said it felt like he was a bridesmaid who finally became a bride.
The competitive eater said it took him three months of practice and he was in disbelief that he pulled it off. "There was an urgency. With Joey not here, I knew I had a shot," he shared.
"I was able to unlock something. I don't know where it came from, but I'm not complaining." Bertoletti called it a life-changing moment.
In the women’s division, Sudo held onto her crown, bringing h.