On July 4th, the annual Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest took place. This year was different, however, as a highly sought-after number one spot for the Men's Contest presented itself, begging the question:
Who would become the champion of the 2024 contest?
The contestants began eating as quickly and strategically as possible, racing towards the finish line in hopes of being the next champion. While there were many great competitors, there could only be one victor.
After the official 10-minute timer expired, a new champion was crowned - Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti.
We spoke with Patrick last year in October, and he told us that he didn't have plans to return to competitive eating, but "stranger things have happened." Fast forward to 2024, and upon his return to the eating contest, he consumed 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to take home the title of champion and secure the coveted Mustard Belt.
We recently chatted with Mr. Bertoletti about becoming the champion, training for the July 4th contest, and more. Let's get into it!
FCN: Hi, Patrick! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us again. How are you feeling after becoming the new champion? Did you get some good rest afterward?
Patrick: Of course! It is slowly starting to set in, but it still doesn't feel real. I am still riding pretty high. This past week has been incredible. I am slowly coming back down to earth. I am just now catching up on rest and life.
In previous years, Patrick has donned his iconic Mohawk hairstyle when competing in challenges and contests, and it has even made appearances in photos and videos on television and social media. For this year's hot dog eating contest, however, it was noticeably absent.
FCN: You have been recognized worldwide for your incredible eating abilities and Mohawk hairstyle while competing in eating contests.
This year, you chose to go Mohawk-free. Why?
Patrick: I was kind of looking for a rebrand/reset. This year, I didn't want any distractions, just pure focus on eating.
FCN: Can you walk us through how you trained for the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest this year?
Patrick: It just came down to lots of hot dog-eating practices. The hardest part was finding time/energy after work. The other issue was finding out the balance of training versus over-training and muscle recovery.
FCN: On July 4th, you ate 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, securing victory as the new Men's Hot Dog Eating Champion and beating your personal best of 55.
Was there a moment where you could feel the victory in your grasp?
Patrick: I went in concerned with James Webb and Geoff Esper as they are both superfast and equal eaters. I was watching them closely throughout.
When I saw that they didn't jump out to a big lead, I knew I had a good chance, but I didn't really alter my eating style or pace. When we were close, at 30, I knew that there was a good chance I could claim victory and that my training would come into play as I anticipated them slowing slightly.
FCN: After your July 4th victory and the famed Mustard Belt now residing in Chicago, what are your plans to defend your title, and do you see yourself becoming more active in the competitive eating world?
Patrick: Yes, for the next year, I am going to be more active on the circuit and will be back on July 4th next year to defend my title.
After a long break from competitive eating, Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti has returned and proven that his incredible eating abilities have not gone away. They have propelled him to become the champion of the 2024 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. It will be interesting and exciting to see how he defends his title next year on July 4th. We'll be watching!
Photo credits: Patrick Bertoletti.
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