The person who emerged victorious in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest is fully aware that his triumph comes with an asterisk. In a recent interview, the winner, Patrick Bertoletti, acknowledged that while he emerged victorious in the absence of the legendary Joey Chestnut, the true wiener king, the victory still required effort and determination. Bertoletti admitted that there was definitely an asterisk attached to his win, given Joey’s absence, but he emphasized that someone had to step up and claim the title.
Despite the competitive nature of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, Bertoletti and Chestnut share a close friendship. The two competitive eaters have known each other for over 20 years, with Bertoletti describing Chestnut as an older brother figure. Bertoletti mentioned that behind closed doors, the two friends can share a laugh about the situation, even teasing Chestnut about Bertoletti’s current title as the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champ.
One of the burning questions following the contest is whether Joey Chestnut will return for future competitions. Bertoletti expressed his desire for Chestnut to make a comeback, noting that while this year’s victory felt good, he never expected to win in Chestnut’s absence. Bertoletti revealed that Chestnut has mentioned his interest in returning at least one more time for the Independence Day extravaganza. Despite uncertainty about the timing of his return, the possibility of Chestnut participating in more contests, especially after the success of the Netflix event, remains high.
In addition to discussing Chestnut’s potential return, Bertoletti reflected on his own victory and the emotions surrounding his win. After a year away from the competitive eating scene, Bertoletti expressed how good it felt to be back in action and secure the title of Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champ. Despite the circumstances surrounding his win, Bertoletti’s determination and competitive spirit were evident in his success.
The 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest winner, Patrick Bertoletti, understands the complexities of his victory and acknowledges the absence of Joey Chestnut. While some may view his win with skepticism, Bertoletti’s resilience and competitive drive cannot be denied. As he looks towards the future, Bertoletti eagerly anticipates Chestnut’s return to the competitive eating arena, recognizing the impact of his friend and competitor on the sport as a whole.