NEW YORK - It's the dawn of a new era at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago won the men's division with 58 hot dogs and buns.
For the first time in years, the men's competition was wide open, with Joey Chestnut not competing.
The competition was tight from the start in Chestnut's absence.
Patrick Bertoletti stuffs hot dogs into his mouth during the men's division in Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, Thursday, July 4, 2024.