Competitive eater Patrick Bertoletti, winner of the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest, acknowledges that his victory deserves an asterisk due to Joey Chestnut’s absence. Despite the tainted win, Bertoletti recognizes that someone had to step up in Chestnut’s absence and take the crown.
In a candid interview, Bertoletti openly admits to the asterisk attached to his win, stating, “Joey wasn’t there, but somebody had to step up. I look at it like a strike-year, shortened competition.” While some may view his win as tainted, Bertoletti remains unfazed by the backlash, even acknowledging that the internet “hates” him at the moment.
Contrary to public perception, Bertoletti and Joey Chestnut share a close friendship. Bertoletti reveals that behind closed doors, they can laugh about the situation, with Bertoletti teasing Chestnut about his current status as the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating champ.
Reflecting on his unexpected win, Bertoletti expresses gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I never expected to win this competition myself with Joey not being there.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding Chestnut’s return to competitive eating, Bertoletti remains hopeful, expressing his desire to see him back for future events.
Looking ahead, Bertoletti hints at the possibility of Chestnut’s return to the competitive eating circuit, mentioning the excitement surrounding the Netflix contest and the potential for more events in the future. While the forthcoming year remains uncertain, Bertoletti remains optimistic about the future of competitive eating.
Through his candid reflections on his victory, Bertoletti offers insight into the competitive eating world, highlighting the camaraderie among competitors and the resilience needed to succeed in the sport. As the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest continues to evolve, the anticipation surrounding Chestnut’s potential return adds a new layer of excitement to the competitive eating landscape.
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