In the bustling Coney Island, the annual hot dog eating contest once again attracted many onlookers’ attention. In yesterday’s event on July 4th, women’s division defending champion Miki Sudo swallowed 51 hot dogs within 10 minutes, breaking her personal record and claiming the championship trophy for the tenth time. Meanwhile, the men’s division welcomed a new champion.
Patrick Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Chicago, clinched his first title in the 10-minute competition on Coney Island by consuming 58 hot dogs, winning the men’s division mustard belt. This marks the first time since 2015 that a new face has claimed the mustard belt.
This year, the renowned “Jaws,” Joey Chestnut, was unable to compete due to contractual disputes with Major League Eating. Nonetheless, he later participated in a unique competition with soldiers at an army base in El Paso.
After the competition, the new champion Bertoletti expressed his determination to continue eating until the task is completed, even if he knows that other competitors may catch up. His perseverance ultimately helped him surpass 49-year-old Geoffrey Esper from Massachusetts, who secured the runner-up position with 53 hot dogs. Australian contestant James Webb, 35, finished third with 52 hot dogs.
The history of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island dates back to 108 years ago when the Nathan’s restaurant was established on Surf Avenue by Nathan Handwerker. The debate among the restaurant’s founders about who was the most patriotic gave birth to this now globally renowned hot dog eating contest.
The official Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is widely regarded to have begun on July 4th, 1972, Independence Day in the United States. The male and female champions each receive a mustard belt and a prize of ten thousand dollars. Participants are allowed to drink water, milk, or other beverages to aid in swallowing and can add condiments.
As a quintessential American snack, hot dogs have become an essential part of Independence Day celebrations with the annual hot dog eating contest. Each year, tens of thousands of fans (some sporting foam hot dog hats) flock to the Nathan’s store in Brooklyn’s Coney Island to witness this spectacular event.
Outside Nathan’s store yesterday, many people lined up eagerly waiting to buy hot dogs to enjoy while watching the eating contest. The Wu family, spanning three generations, relished both the hot dogs and the festive atmosphere of the holiday. Mrs. Wu mentioned that the annual contest brings joy to the young people, while Mr. Wu appreciated the deliciousness of hot dogs. He stated that Independence Day signifies BBQs, taking kids to the beach, and visiting family and friends.