Patrick Bertoletti raised the Mustard Belt on Thursday after downing 58 hot dogs to make competitive eating history–and give America the July Fourth champion it needs.
The 26-year-old Chicagoan is the first new champion to win the July 4 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in eight years, after 16-time winner, Joey Chestnut, was barred from competition this year–for endorsing vegan hot dogs.
“Always a bridesmaid and never a bride, but today I am getting married,” Bertoletti told ESPN (this is, after all, a sport) following his victory.
