NYC In Focus

By Howard Weiss for NYCInFocus.com

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest returned in spectacular fashion to Coney Island for 2024. This beloved tradition, held at the iconic Nathan’s Famous flagship restaurant on Surf and Stillwell Avenues, brought thousands of fans to celebrate Independence Day with thrilling competition and record-breaking feats of endurance.

With long-time champion Joey Chestnut absent, the stage was set for new victors to claim the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt. In the men’s division, Patrick Bertoletti seized the opportunity and claimed his first championship with an impressive 58 hot dogs and buns eaten in 10 minutes. In the women’s division, reigning champion Miki Sudo cemented her dominance by setting a new record of 51 hot dogs and buns, marking her tenth title in the contest’s storied history.

A Century-Long Tradition in Coney Island

Since its inception in 1916, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has become a hallmark of Fourth of July celebrations, symbolizing indulgence, patriotism, and the quirky spirit of competitive eating. Thousands of spectators gathered under sunny skies, many donning foam hot dog hats and cheering for their favorite eaters.

The contest, organized by Major League Eating (MLE), ensures strict rules, safety protocols, and a fair playing field. Over the years, it has grown into an international event, drawing competitors from across the globe and attracting millions of viewers via live broadcasts.

2024 Men’s Division: A New Champion Emerges

Patrick Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Chicago, claimed his first title in the absence of 16-time champion Joey Chestnut, who competed in a separate event at a U.S. Army base in Texas. Bertoletti’s total of 58 hot dogs not only bested his personal record of 55 but also secured him a place in the contest’s history as the first new men’s champion since 2015.

Men’s Division Final Results:

Rank Name Hot Dogs & Buns Eaten

1 Patrick Bertoletti 58

2 Geoff Esper 53

3 James Webb 52

4 Nick Wehry 46.75

5 King Yamamoto 46

The competition was fierce, with Geoff Esper and James Webb closely trailing Bertoletti throughout the 10-minute race.

2024 Women’s Division: Miki Sudo Sets a New Standard

In the women’s division, Miki Sudo proved why she is the reigning queen of competitive eating. Consuming 51 hot dogs and buns, she not only defended her title but also set a new personal and world record. Her victory marked her tenth win in the competition, solidifying her legacy as a competitive eating legend.

Women’s Division Final Results:

Rank Name Hot Dogs & Buns Eaten

1 Miki Sudo 51

2 Mayoi Ebihara 37

3 Michelle Lesco 23.5

4 Larell Marie Mele 14.5

5 Tandra Childress 13

The Joey Chestnut Factor

Joey Chestnut’s absence was a major storyline for this year’s event. The 16-time champion was disinvited due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating, which stemmed from his partnership with Impossible Foods. Instead, Chestnut competed at Fort Bliss in Texas, where he consumed 57 hot dogs in five minutes against four soldiers.

While Chestnut’s dominance was missed, his absence created space for new narratives and champions, showcasing the depth of talent in competitive eating.

Highlights Beyond the Main Event

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Contest isn’t just about the hot dogs—it’s a full-fledged celebration of summer, tradition, and spectacle.

Eric “Badlands” Booker’s Lemonade Chugging Record Sparks Controversy

In addition to the main event, Eric “Badlands” Booker claimed a new record by chugging a gallon of lemonade in just 21 seconds. However, there was an incident I witnessed before the contest that casts some doubt on the validity of this record.

As the crew prepared for the contest, a mishap occurred: the lemonade meant for Eric Booker was spilled backstage. In their rush to refill it, the crew diluted the remaining lemonade with plain water, filling it up to only three-fourths of its original concentration. While the other contestants struggled with the full-strength lemonade—one even vomiting shortly after their attempt—Booker’s diluted mixture may have given him an unintentional advantage.

This discrepancy raises questions about the legitimacy of the record. While Booker’s performance was undeniably impressive, the circumstances surrounding it warrant a closer look. Competitive integrity is critical in an event like this, and ensuring consistency in conditions for all competitors should be a top priority moving forward.

A photograph I captured of the incident will be included in this post, highlighting the differences in preparation that were evident before the contest began. Let me know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this record should stand?

Nathan’s Generosity

As part of their commitment to the community, Nathan’s Famous donated 100,000 hot dogs to the Food Bank for New York City, continuing a long-standing tradition of giving back.

Dance and Music Performances

Between eating contests, the crowd was entertained by live music and dance acts, creating a festive atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of the holiday.

Takeaways and Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest delivered unforgettable moments, from record-breaking performances to underdog victories. Patrick Bertoletti and Miki Sudo brought their A-game, earning their places among the greats of competitive eating.

As the contest continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate next year’s event. Will Joey Chestnut return to reclaim his crown? Will new contenders rise to challenge the reigning champions? One thing is certain: the corner of Surf and Stillwell will always be the home of competitive eating excellence.

• Official Nathan’s Famous website: www.nathansfamous.com

• Major League Eating results: www.majorleagueeating.com

• Joey Chestnut’s official page: www.joeychestnut.com

This article was written by Howard Weiss for NYCInFocus.com.