Miki Sudo is the star of Nathan’s famous hot dog eating contest

Posted on: July 4, 2024, 03:25 am.

Last updated on: July 4, 2024, 03:25.

Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest was missing its biggest star today: Joey Chestnut, the top dog in the world of competitive eating, had to sit on the sidelines due to a sponsorship dispute with a manufacturer of plant-based hot dogs.

The 10-minute Fourth of July hot dog eating contest still took place at Coney Island, and the main role was played by the person who has long been a supporting cast member. New York-born Miki Sudo, 38, an aspiring dental hygienist, needs no introduction to anyone who has watched the annual holiday hot dog eating contest.

Sudo was the clear favorite to win the women’s competition, with ESPN Bet pricing her at -750. Sudo did not disappoint, devouring 51 hot dogs and buns in the 10 minutes, setting a new women’s world record.

“I’m just happy that it can be mine for another year,” said Sudo after winning her 10th pink belt.

Sudo outperformed 13 other women. Her performance today was 11.5 throws and rolls better than the 2023 competition.

Sudo Stars

Since the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest added a women’s division in 2011, Sudo has been crowned champion in 10 of 14 competitions.

Sudo has passed the 50-dog mark for the first time in her career. She says she’s not done yet.

Even after ten years, I still have a lot to show for myself,” she said. “The women’s record will only improve from now on and we have a lot of exciting things ahead of us.”

Sudo entered the Nathan stage with the 2014 event, where she dethroned Sonya Thomas, who had won the previous three hot dog eating contests. Sudo has never been defeated, as she skipped the 2021 event, won by Michelle Lesco, due to pregnancy.

Rising Star

In the 14-Eater men, the bets without Chestnut were much more interesting.

After a hard-fought 10-minute race, 39-year-old Chicagoan Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious with 58 hot dogs and buns. Bertoletti beat Geoffrey Esper of Massachusetts, who managed 53 hot dogs.

“I was always the bridesmaid and since Joey wasn’t here, I knew I had a chance,” Bertoletti said afterwards.

Before the men’s event, Bertoletti had the third-lowest odds at +850. Esper, who finished second last year with 49.5 dogs to Chestnut’s 62, was the leader in the 1-1 betting. James Webb was third at +150.

Sudo’s husband Nick Wehry took the lead in the men’s race but lost momentum in the second half, finishing third with 46 dogs.