New Champions Crowned at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

It's the dawn of a new era at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago emerged victorious in the men's division by devouring 58 hot dogs and buns. With perennial champion Joey Chestnut absent this year due to a partnership with a rival company, the competition was wide open and intense from the start. Bertoletti, ranked #9 in the world by Major League Eating, took an early lead, closely pursued by Geoffrey Esper and Nick Wehry.

James Webb of Australia briefly held the lead in the middle of the contest, but Bertoletti surged back and secured the win. Esper finished third with 53 hot dogs, while Webb claimed third place with 52. In the women's division, Miki Sudo set a new record by consuming 51 hot dogs and buns, successfully defending her title for the tenth consecutive year. Sudo, the reigning female champion in Major League Eating, faced a tough challenge from Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, who ate 37 hot dogs. Michelle Lesco rounded out the top three in the women's division with 23 hot dogs and buns.

The event, held at Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island, drew thousands of spectators who also enjoyed dance and music performances. The tradition, dating back to 1916, awarded the winners with the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt and a $20,000 cash prize. Additionally, Eric 'Badlands' Booker set a new record in the lemonade chugging competition by downing a gallon in 21 seconds. As part of the tradition, Nathan's Famous donated 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City. While Chestnut showcased his eating prowess at Fort Bliss in Texas, Bertoletti and Sudo etched their names in history as the new champions of the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

The absence of Chestnut paved the way for fresh faces to shine on the competitive eating stage, marking a significant shift in the annual event's landscape. The thrill of the competition, the camaraderie among eaters, and the festive atmosphere captivated the audience, making this year's contest a memorable spectacle. As the sun set on Coney Island, Bertoletti and Sudo stood tall as the victors, solidifying their dominance in the world of competitive eating.