Newslast7 NY- A New Era Unfolds at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
**Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest: A New Era of Champions**
This year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest marked a notable shift as Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago captured the men’s title by devouring 58 hot dogs and buns. “I’m in the greatest country in the world, the greatest eating contest in the world, and it’s perfect perfection,” exclaimed Bertoletti.
The competition was notably open this year due to the absence of reigning champion Joey Chestnut, who was unavailable because of his new partnership with a rival plant-based hot dog company. Chestnut instead competed at Fort Bliss in Texas against four service members at 5 p.m. He still holds the all-time record of 76 hot dogs and buns set in 2021.
**Intense Rivalry in the Men's Division**
With Chestnut out of the picture, the field was wide open, making for a fierce competition. Bertoletti, ranked #9 by Major League Eating, quickly established an early lead, closely followed by Geoffrey Esper from Oxford, Massachusetts, and Nick Wehry from Tampa, Florida. James Webb from Australia briefly surged ahead midway through the contest, but Bertoletti regained and maintained his lead until the end. Esper secured second place with 53 hot dogs, and Webb came in third with 52.
**Record-Breaking Performance in the Women's Division**
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo set a new record by consuming 51 hot dogs and buns, surpassing her previous personal best of 48.5. Sudo, 38, has been a dominant force in the contest, winning every year since 2014 except for 2021, when she took a break due to pregnancy. “I think what this means for the women’s contest is that our personal bests are just gonna keep going up, the record’s gonna keep increasing. After 10 years, I still have more to give, and you’re not done with me just yet,” Sudo remarked.
Successfully defending her title for the tenth time, Sudo faced a strong challenge from Japan’s Mayoi Ebihara, who managed to eat 37 hot dogs. “I was getting emotional and really wanted to win,” Sudo admitted, thanking Ebihara for pushing her.
**A Family Affair and Festive Atmosphere**
Sudo, married to fellow competitor Nicholas Wehry, now holds a record higher than her husband, who ate 48 hot dogs. Michelle Lesco finished third in the women’s division with 23 hot dogs and buns.
The annual spectacle drew thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant at Surf and Stillwell Avenues. The event featured dance and music performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. This Fourth of July tradition, dating back to 1916, continues to attract enthusiastic crowds each year.
**New Records and Acts of Generosity**
In addition to the hot dog eating contest, Eric "Badlands" Booker set a new record in Nathan’s lemonade chugging competition by downing a gallon in just 21 seconds. Continuing its tradition of generosity, Nathan’s Famous is donating 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City.
The champions walked away with not only the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt but also a $20,000 cash prize. The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest remains a beloved and highly anticipated event, celebrating both competitive eating and community spirit.
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