The 2022 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island saw a changing of the guard as Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious, dethroning the 16-time champion Joey Chestnut. Bertoletti, a 26-year-old Chicagoan, claimed the coveted title – the Mustard Belt – by consuming an impressive 58 hot dogs in just 10 minutes. This marked a significant shift from the previous year when Chestnut devoured 62 hot dogs to secure the win, with his record-setting performance of 76 hot dogs in 2021 still fresh in fans’ memories.
The surprising turn of events at this year’s competition was attributed to Chestnut’s controversial endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, Nathan’s rival. Despite his protestations on social media about a ban imposed by Major League Eating, Chestnut was notably absent from the contest, opening the door for a new champion to emerge. The decision to exclude Chestnut created a buzz around the competition, drawing attention from media outlets like CNN and piquing the interest of fans worldwide.
Heading into the event, Australian ex-professional soccer player James Webb was touted as the favorite to claim the top spot in Chestnut’s absence. However, Webb’s performance fell short of expectations, with Geoffrey Esper of Massachusetts securing second place with 53 hot dogs and Webb settling for third place with 52. The competition featured 13 eaters from various countries, including Brazil and the Czech Republic, showcasing the global appeal of the annual event.
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo put on a record-setting performance by devouring 51 hot dogs in 10 minutes, clinching her 10th title in the contest. Sudo’s remarkable feat surpassed last year’s winning total by 11 and a half hot dogs and outpaced her closest competitor, Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, by a margin of 14 hot dogs. Sudo, who is pursuing a career as a dental hygienist in Tampa, expressed gratitude to her dental school and family following her victory, exemplifying the diverse backgrounds of the competitors in the hotly contested event.
Chestnut’s Unconventional Path
Despite his recent association with Impossible Foods, Chestnut’s participation in a bologna-eating contest in May raised eyebrows, casting doubt on his commitment to a plant-based diet. The contrast between his endorsement deal and his culinary choices added a layer of intrigue to his absence from the Nathan’s competition. However, Chestnut’s competitive spirit remains unwavering, as he gears up for a charity hot dog eating competition against four Army soldiers at Ft. Bliss to support military families.
The Nathan’s Tradition Continues
The 108th edition of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest upheld its status as a cherished Fourth of July tradition in New York, drawing spectators from near and far to witness the spectacle. The live broadcast of the event on ESPN2 and ESPN3 captured the excitement of the competition, with replays scheduled to air later in the evening. The absence of Chestnut added a new dimension to this year’s contest, underscoring the unpredictability and drama that define competitive eating at its highest level.
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