The 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest took an unexpected turn this year, as Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion, decided not to attend due to a sponsorship dispute. This absence opened the door for Patrick Bertoletti to claim his first men’s title by consuming an impressive 58 hot dogs in a tight 10-minute race. Bertoletti, a 39-year-old from Chicago, showcased his determination and hard work by defeating 13 competitors from around the world. He credited his success to three months of intense preparation and a sense of urgency leading up to the event. With Chestnut absent, Bertoletti saw an opportunity to shine and seized it, surpassing his previous record of 55 hot dogs. This victory marked a significant break from tradition, as Chestnut had dominated the competition for years, winning 16 out of 17 previous contests.
In the women’s competition, defending champion Miki Sudo put on an impressive performance, claiming her 10th title and setting a new world record by consuming 51 hot dogs. Sudo, a 38-year-old dental hygiene student from Florida, once again proved her dominance in the sport of competitive eating. Despite facing tough competition from 28-year-old Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, who came in second after eating 37 hot dogs, Sudo emerged victorious and expressed her joy at retaining the pink belt. Her consistent success at the event highlights her dedication and skill in the realm of competitive eating.
The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest drew participants from over a dozen states and five continents, showcasing the global appeal of the event. Prospects from countries such as Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic converged on Coney Island to compete for the coveted title and the $10,000 prize money. This international representation added a unique and diverse dynamic to the competition, highlighting the widespread popularity of competitive eating as a sport.
Despite Chestnut’s absence from this year’s event, fans still flocked to Coney Island to witness the spectacle of the hot dog eating contest. Rich Shea, CEO of Major League Eating, noted the enduring appeal of the competition, emphasizing how tens of thousands of people gathered to watch the festivities. The absence of the reigning champion did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd, underscoring the enduring popularity and tradition of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest.
While Chestnut participated in a separate event at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, some loyal fans made the journey to show their support, underscoring Chestnut’s widespread popularity and the dedication of his fanbase. Despite initial concerns about not performing well without the raucous Coney Island crowd, Chestnut managed to set a record pace, consuming 57 hot dogs in five minutes. The event at Fort Bliss demonstrated Chestnut’s adaptability and resilience, as he rose to the challenge in a new and unexpected setting, showcasing his competitive spirit and passion for the sport.
The 2025 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest presented a break from tradition with a new champion in the men’s division and a record-setting performance by the defending champion in the women’s division. The absence of Joey Chestnut provided an opportunity for rising stars like Patrick Bertoletti to showcase their skills and claim the spotlight. The diverse field of competitors and the enduring appeal of the event highlighted the global reach of competitive eating as a sport. Overall, the 2025 edition of the hot dog eating contest was a showcase of talent, dedication, and fierce competition in a beloved annual tradition.
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