Illinois Has a Champ at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

A year ago, on Coney Island a new hot dog eating champion was crowned, and he’s from Illinois. Patrick Bertoletti pounded down 58 hot dogs and buns to take the Mustard belt. This year may be different, but we’re here for it.

2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Champion Patrick Bertoletti from Illinois

Legendary eater competitive eater Joey Chestnut was banned from last year’s July 4^th Nathan’s hot dog eating contest due to a sponsor contract he signed with a veggie hot dog company. The issue has been handled and Chestnut has signed a deal with Nathan’s clearing the way for his participation in this year’s event.

Joey Chestnut - perennial hot dog eating champ

Chestnut has won this event 16 of the last 18 years. Bertoletti has won once. But this is a showdown worth seeing. Can Chestnut regain the Mustard belt? Bertoletti certainly has the chops to defend the belt. His 58 hot dogs last summer are definitely in the competitive zone for winning against Chestnut as Joey won in 2023 with 62 and in 2022 with 63. Not record setting numbers, but without a doubt good enough to win again.

Bonus- A Kansas City area contender will compete for the first time at this event as the youngest eater on stage. 21 year old Cameron Meade will be on Coney Island Friday to try and shock the world. Bring a napkin. Better yet, bring a case of napkins.