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Patrick Bertoletti
Patrick Bertoletti
Patrick Bertoletti
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Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti (born June 6, 1985[1]) is an American competitive eater from Chicago. He takes part in a variety of different eating competitions—notable wins include the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest and the first-ever world poutine eating competition in Toronto. He also holds numerous world records, including the most milk consumed in an hour.

Key Information

Competitive eating career

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2007

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On January 2, 2007, Bertoletti became the first person to complete the Sasquatch Burger Contest at Bigfoot Lodge Cafe in Memphis, Tennessee. 679 people had tried to finish the burger and fries that starts with 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of hamburger meat on a homemade bun, Bertoletti finished the meal in 11 minutes and 5 seconds.[2][3]

On July 4, 2007, he finished third in the 92nd annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, having eaten 49 hot dogs and buns in that competition.[4]

On September 16, 2007, he won the La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship in Chicago, Illinois. This competition was marred when the event organizers ran out of jalapeños before the end of the competition.[5][6]

On October 9, 2007, he upset points leader Joey Chestnut and held off a comeback by second ranked Takeru Kobayashi to win the chicken wing "Chowdown" in Las Vegas shown on Spike TV.[7]

On November 22, 2007, he won Spike TV Major League Eating "Turkey Bowl". Bertoletti consumed 6.91 pounds (3.13 kg) of (whole) turkey in 8 minutes, upsetting the previous year's winner, Joey Chestnut.[8]

2008

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On April 12, 2008, he won the ACME Oyster House 2008 World Oyster Eating Championships by downing 35 dozen raw oysters on the half shell in eight minutes in New Orleans, Louisiana.[9]

On July 4, 2008, he finished 4th at the Nathan's Famous contest, consuming 38 HDB (hot dogs and buns) in the 10-minute contest.

On September 1, 2008, he finished 3rd at the Skyline Chili Spaghetti Eating Contest, consuming 11 pounds (5.0 kg) in the 10-minute contest.

On September 28, 2008, he finished in 2nd at the Krystal Square Off, eating 85 Krystal burgers, one more than Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi.[10]

2009

[edit]

On March 16, 2009, he won the Stroehmann Sandwich Slamm, eating 163⁄4 8-ounce (230 g) corned-beef sandwiches in the 10-minute contest.[11][12]

On July 4, 2009, Patrick placed 3rd in the Nathan's Famous contest, eating 55 HDBs.[13]

On September 2, 2009, Patrick won the Nugget Rib Eating Championship at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, eating 5.8 pounds (2.6 kg) of pork rib meat in 12 minutes.[14]

2010

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In May 2010, Patrick became the world poutine eating champion after scarfing down 13 pounds (5.9 kg) of gravy-and-cheese-soaked fries in a mere 10 minutes. He edged out 11 fellow stars of Major League Eating and three Canadian amateur eaters by consuming box after box of poutine at Toronto's BMO Field in the first World Poutine Eating Championship.[15]

On July 4, 2010, Patrick took third place in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest by eating 37 hot dogs in ten minutes.

On July 22, 2010, Patrick beat Joey Chestnut to win the Mars bar eating competition. He ate 38 bars in just over four minutes.[16]

2011

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On May 1, 2011, Patrick took first place in the La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship and set a world record by eating 275 pickled jalapeños in eight minutes.[17][18]

On June 5, 2011, Patrick took first place in the Acme Oyster House Oyster Eating Contest and set a Louisiana state record by eating 39 dozen (468 individual) oysters in eight minutes.[19]

On July 4, 2011, Patrick took second place in the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest by eating 53 hot dogs in ten minutes.

2012

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On January 23, 2012, Patrick took first place in The Isle Boonville World Boneless Buffalo Wing Eating Championship by eating 6.75 pounds (3.06 kg) of Buffalo wings in 10 minutes.

On July 4, 2012, Patrick took third place in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, eating 51 HDB in ten minutes.[20]

On September 9, 2012, Patrick took first place in Wild Eggs National Pancake Eating Championship by eating 50 king pancakes in 10 minutes.[21]

2013

[edit]

On February 3, 2013, Patrick took first place in Fat Tuesday King Cake Eating World Championship by eating 12 king cakes in eight minutes.[22]

On July 3, 2013, Patrick took first place in Z-Burger Independence Burger eating Championship by eating 28 burgers in ten minutes.[23]

On October 6, 2013, Patrick took second place in Canada's biggest pizza eating contest by eating 39 slices of pizza in 12 minutes.[24]

2014

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He set a record for most milk consumed in an hour by drinking 2.5 US gallons (9.5 L).[25]

2015

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He won the 2015 Wing Bowl by eating 444 wings in 26 minutes.[26][27]

2022

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After a 10 year retirement from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Bertoletti returned to the competition, eating 33.5 HDB in ten minutes to finish fifth.[28]

2024

[edit]

On March 3, 2024 Bertoletti placed 5th in the Inaugural Eating Uranus Fudge Galactic Championship at Uranus, Missouri. He gulped down 7.75 pounds of chocolate fudge in eight minutes.

After not competing in 2023, Bertoletti returned to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2024. He captured his first victory in the event by eating 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes for the Mustard Belt title.[29]

World records

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  • 16 inches (41 cm) pizza: 47 slices in 10 minutes[19]
  • Blueberry pie (hands-free): 9.17 pounds (4.16 kg) in 8 minutes[19]
  • Chicken wings: 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg) in 8 minutes
  • Chocolate: 1 pound 15.5 ounces (890 g) in 7 minutes[19]
  • Corned beef and cabbage: 10.63 pounds (4.82 kg) in 10 minutes[19]
  • Corned beef sandwiches: 11 8-ounce (230 g) sandwiches in 10 minutes
  • Date Nut Bread: 29.5 date nut bread and cream cheese sandwiches in 8 minutes[19]
  • Doughnuts (cream-filled): 47 glazed and cream-filled doughnuts in 5 minutes[30]
  • Grits: 21 pounds (9.5 kg) in 10 minutes[30]
  • Ice cream (short form): 1.75 pounds (0.79 kg) vanilla ice cream in 8 minutes[31]
  • Jalapeño peppers (pickled): 98 after eating 47 donuts in 5 minutes
  • Jalapeño peppers (pickled): 191 in 6.5 minutes[19]
  • Jalapeño peppers (pickled): 275 in 8 minutes[19]
  • Key lime pie: 10.8 pounds (4.9 kg) in 8 minutes[30]
  • Kolaches: 44 cherry kolaches in 8 minutes[30]
  • Oysters (short form): 34 dozen in 8 minutes[30]
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches: 42 sandwiches in 10 minutes[30]
  • Pozole: 9 pounds 3 ounces (4.2 kg) in 12 minutes[19]
  • Shoo-fly pie: 11.1 pounds (5.0 kg) in 8 minutes[19]
  • Strawberry rhubarb pie: 7.9 pounds (3.6 kg) in 8 minutes[19]
  • Strawberry shortcake: 15.25 pounds (6.92 kg) in 8 minutes[19]
  • Waffles: 29 8-ounce (230 g) waffles in 10 minutes[30]
  • Whole turkey: 4 pounds 12.8 ounces (2,180 g) of roast turkey meat in 12 minutes
  • Whole turkey (short form): 6.91 pounds (3.13 kg) of roast turkey meat in 8 minutes[30]

Media appearances

[edit]

Bertoletti was featured on the cover of the Chicago Reader on Friday June 30, 2006. The story described his abilities and his ambitions for the summer competition.[32]

Bertoletti and food truck partner Tim Brown appeared as "Glutton Force 5" on a Season 2 episode of the Food Network's Food Court Wars in March 2014. The pair won for their "Taco in a Bag" concept and were awarded free rent for one year for a location in the food court at Spring Hill Mall located in West Dundee, Illinois, as part of their prize.[33][34]

Personal life

[edit]

Bertoletti is a graduate of Morgan Park Academy[35][36] and Kendall College.[11] He was a co-owner and chef of the restaurant "Taco in a Bag" in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.[37]

He is an avid reader of the Girl Talk series by author L.E. Blair.[38]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Patrick Bertoletti

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Patrick Bertoletti (born June 6, 1985) is an American competitive eater from Chicago, Illinois, renowned for his victory in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, where he consumed 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the Mustard Belt. Born in Blue Island and raised in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's South Side and later in the south suburb of Palos Heights, Bertoletti graduated from Morgan Park Academy in 2003 and earned a bachelor's degree in culinary arts from Kendall College in 2007. His competitive eating career began in high school with a win in a pie-eating contest at his father's company picnic, followed by a second-place finish in a 2004 pizza-eating event at Bacci Pizzeria, before he officially joined Major League Eating in 2006. Nicknamed "Deep Dish" for his Chicago roots, Bertoletti has held over 30 world records, including 275 pickled jalapeños in 8 minutes (2011), 42 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 10 minutes (2007), 72 cupcakes in 6 minutes (2012), and 18.475 pounds of blueberries in 8 minutes (2024). Alongside his eating pursuits, he has worked as a tasting chef at Food For Thought in Lincolnwood and co-owned the restaurant Taco in a Bag until its closure in 2020. Of Italian descent with grandparents from Potenza in Basilicata and Bergamo in Lombardy, Bertoletti draws inspiration from his family's food traditions, emphasizing his lifelong passion for cuisine. As of 2025, he ranks as the second-best competitive eater in the United States.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Chicago

Patrick Bertoletti was born on June 6, 1985, in Blue Island, Illinois, to a family of Italian heritage whose roots trace back to grandparents who emigrated from the provinces of in and in . Growing up primarily on 's South Side and in the surrounding south suburbs, including time in neighborhoods like Pullman and Palos Heights, Bertoletti attended Morgan Park Academy from pre-kindergarten through high school, immersing himself in the city's vibrant food culture. From an early age, Bertoletti developed a deep fascination with food through family traditions and local influences, where meals were central to celebrations and daily life. His grandfather, an accomplished home cook, introduced him to Italian-American dishes such as simmered in sauce over , alongside stories of resourcefulness like homemade from the era. This heritage blended with Chicago's iconic cuisine, including deep-dish pizza, which Bertoletti later cited as his first great culinary love, and casual encounters with street foods from neighborhood eateries. While Bertoletti showed no early inclination toward , his high school years marked the beginning of playful food-related exploits. During that time, he participated in a pie-eating contest at his father's company picnic, where he emerged victorious—an event that sparked his initial curiosity about eating challenges without hinting at a future career in the sport.

Academic background

Bertoletti attended Morgan Park Academy, a private high school on Chicago's South Side, graduating in 2003. There, he developed an early passion for amid a diverse urban upbringing that fostered his interest in food. After high school, Bertoletti enrolled at in —now affiliated with —pursuing a in . He graduated in 2007, with coursework emphasizing classic and professional chef training. This formal education equipped Bertoletti for a career in the culinary industry, distinct from his later pursuits in , which began around the time of his graduation.

Culinary career

Professional training

Following his graduation from the program at in , Bertoletti entered the professional kitchen workforce as a line cook at Vivere, an upscale Italian restaurant neighborhood. There, he honed foundational skills in , including preparation and sauce-making, while developing an interest in classic French techniques such as precise knife work and sauce reduction. From 2006 to 2014, Bertoletti worked as a catering chef for , a division of the grocery chain, handling large-scale events that required rapid, high-volume food production for hundreds of guests. This role emphasized efficiency in and quick assembly of American comfort dishes like sandwiches, salads, and plated meals, building his for demanding shifts. In 2014, he advanced to head chef at Taco In A Bag, a casual eatery in Lincoln Square known for its portable, bag-served tacos blending American and influences. Bertoletti oversaw menu development and daily operations, focusing on fresh, hearty comfort foods that prioritized bold flavors and straightforward presentation. These positions allowed him to cultivate expertise in both fine-dining precision and fast-paced service, while he began integrating elements of his emerging activities around 2007 without shifting his primary emphasis from culinary proficiency. More recently, Bertoletti has served as a tasting at Food For Thought, a and event company in suburban Lincolnwood, where he evaluates recipes and ensures quality in diverse menus. Throughout his career, his hands-on roles have centered on practical skill-building in Italian-inspired dishes, American staples, and efficient prep methods, providing a robust foundation independent of his parallel pursuits.

Business ventures

In 2014, Patrick Bertoletti co-founded and co-owned the casual eatery Taco in a Bag in Chicago, initially operating from a suburban West Dundee location before relocating to the Lincoln Square neighborhood in 2015, where it remained until its closure in 2020. The restaurant specialized in portable Mexican-inspired street food, such as walking tacos served in customizable chip bags topped with seasoned ground beef, cheeses, and salsas, offering quick, shareable meals aimed at on-the-go diners. Co-owned with competitive eater Tim "Gravy" Brown, the venture highlighted fun, accessible eating experiences that celebrated bold flavors and communal dining, subtly informed by Bertoletti's culinary expertise without overt ties to competitive eating promotions. The business thrived on its innovative, no-fuss format during its peak years but ultimately shuttered in November 2020 amid broader market shifts in the restaurant industry, including challenges from the that hampered dine-in and foot traffic. Following the closure, Bertoletti works at a company. In 2024 and 2025, Bertoletti has been actively involved in high-profile events, including co-hosting a -themed pop-up for the Monday Night Foodball series in September 2024 at Frank and Mary's Tavern in Avondale, where he partnered with local chef John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza, with support from culinary directors Cam Waron and Dennis Lee, to create inventive dishes inspired by Chicago's heritage. This collaboration exemplified his ongoing entrepreneurial contributions to the city's dynamic pop-up scene, focusing on creative, chef-driven experiences that blend his professional training with community-oriented innovation.

Competitive eating career

Entry and early competitions (2007–2010)

Patrick Bertoletti entered the world of in 2007, starting with local events in that showcased his emerging talent. On January 2, he became the first person to complete the Sasquatch Burger at Bigfoot Lodge Cafe in , finishing the 4-pound burger challenge in 11 minutes and 5 seconds after 679 failed attempts by others. Later that year, on September 16, he won the inaugural La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship in by consuming 191 jalapeños in 6.5 minutes, defeating competitors including and Rich LeFevre. These early victories highlighted his rapid adaptation to the sport, leveraging his roots to earn the nickname "Deep Dish," a nod to the city's iconic pizza style. At the prestigious Eating Contest on July 4, 2007, Bertoletti secured third place by eating 49 hot dogs and buns (HDB) in 10 minutes, behind winner (66) and (63). In 2008, he expanded his success by winning the ACME Oyster House World Oyster Eating Championship on April 12 in New Orleans, downing 35 dozen raw oysters in 8 minutes to claim the title. That same year at , he placed fourth with 38 HDB, in a field topped by Chestnut's 59 after an eat-off tie with . Bertoletti's culinary background as a professional aided his entry into the , allowing him to incorporate precise techniques like portion control and food preparation methods into his training regimen. Bertoletti continued building momentum in 2009, finishing third at Nathan's with a personal best of 55 HDB, trailing Chestnut (68) and Kobayashi (64.5). On September 2, he captured the Nugget Rib Eating Championship at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off in , consuming 5.8 pounds of pork rib meat in 12 minutes to edge out Chestnut by a mere 0.1 pounds and win $2,500. The following year, 2010, saw him triumph in the inaugural World Poutine Eating Championship on May 22 at Toronto's , devouring 13 pounds of in 10 minutes to outpace competitors like Crazy Legs Conti. At Nathan's that July, he again took third place with 37 HDB, behind Chestnut (54) and (45). Through these years, Bertoletti honed his skills by blending chef-honed strategies, such as efficient swallowing and jaw endurance exercises, solidifying his reputation as a top contender.

Peak years and records (2011–2015)

During the early , Patrick Bertoletti emerged as one of the top competitive eaters globally, consistently ranking in Major League Eating's (MLE) top 10 and securing multiple s across varied food categories. In 2011, he set the for pickled peppers by consuming 275 in 8 minutes at the La Costeña Jalapeño Eating Championship in , , surpassing his previous mark of 225 from the year prior. Later that year, Bertoletti won the Acme Oyster House World Oyster Eating Championship in New Orleans, devouring 39 dozen oysters (468 individual) in 8 minutes to claim the title and establish a Louisiana state record. Bertoletti's momentum continued into 2012, where he placed third at the prestigious Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, eating 51 hot dogs and buns (HDB) in 10 minutes behind winner Joey Chestnut. He also captured the inaugural Wild Eggs National Pancake Eating Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, setting a world record with 50 pancakes (3.25 oz each) in 10 minutes. The following year, in 2013, Bertoletti dominated the Z-Burger Independence Day Burger Eating Championship in Washington, D.C., consuming 28 burgers in 10 minutes to win the event and set a new competition record. In 2014, Bertoletti achieved another milestone by setting the for milk consumption, drinking 2.5 gallons in 1 hour during an MLE-sanctioned event. He also secured victories in several and burger competitions that year, further solidifying his versatility in savory categories. Bertoletti's peak culminated in 2015 with a dramatic win at 23 in , where he ate 444 chicken wings in 26 minutes to edge out defending champion by four wings and claim the major event's title. Throughout this period, his success spanned diverse foods, including like oysters, items such as pancakes, spicy vegetables, liquids, and meats, highlighting his adaptability and earning him sustained recognition as an MLE elite.

Hiatus and return (2016–2025)

Following his peak competitive years, Patrick Bertoletti stepped back from major eating contests between 2016 and 2021 to focus on his culinary career, including co-owning and operating the restaurant Taco in a Bag from 2015 to 2020. During this period, he participated sporadically in local events but did not achieve major rankings or pursue full-time training. Bertoletti began his return in 2022 by competing at the Fourth of July International , where he placed fifth after consuming 33.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. In 2024, Bertoletti placed fifth at the inaugural Fudge Galactic Championship in , eating 7.75 pounds of chocolate fudge in eight minutes. Later that year, on July 4, he captured his first Mustard Belt at the by devouring 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, surpassing runner-up Geoffrey Esper's total of 53 by five. He continued his success by winning the Championship on July 26, consuming 220 chicken nuggets in 8 minutes. His resurgence continued into 2025, where he placed second at Nathan's with 46.5 hot dogs and buns, trailing Joey Chestnut's 70.5; second at the Siegel's Bagelmania World Bagel Eating Championship with 14.5 bagels and ; and first at the NORMS Hotcake Eating Championship with 32 buttermilk hotcakes in 10 minutes. Upon returning, Bertoletti incorporated his professional experience into , emphasizing efficient food sourcing and preparation techniques to rebuild capacity without over-reliance on volume practice alone. By late 2025, these efforts elevated him to the No. 2 spot in rankings.

Notable achievements

Major championship wins

Patrick Bertoletti achieved his most prestigious victory in by winning the 2024 Eating Contest, consuming 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the Mustard Yellow Belt amid the absence of longtime champion , earning a $10,000 prize and marking his first title in the event's storied history. This win solidified his status as a top-tier contender in Major League Eating-sanctioned events, highlighting his strategic pacing and endurance under high-stakes pressure. In 2015, Bertoletti captured the championship in by devouring 444 chicken wings over 26 minutes in an endurance-based format, edging out defending champion in a dramatic comeback during the final speed round and setting a new event record. This victory underscored his prowess in prolonged, high-volume wing-eating contests, a staple of the Wing Bowl's rowdy, fan-driven spectacle. Bertoletti's international breakthrough came in 2010 at the inaugural World Poutine Eating Championship in , where he consumed 13 pounds of —fries smothered in gravy and —in 10 minutes, outpacing competitors like Crazy Legs Conti and establishing himself as a global force in niche food challenges. The win at elevated his profile beyond U.S. borders, showcasing adaptability to regional cuisines in a freshly created event. Demonstrating expertise in , Bertoletti won the Acme Oyster House World Oyster Eating Championship in 2008 by slurping 35 dozen in 8 minutes during New Orleans' Festival, defeating rivals like Crazy Legs Conti and claiming the title in a fast-paced bivalve showdown. He defended his dominance in 2011, consuming 39 dozen in 8 minutes to set a state record and secure back-to-back victories, further cementing his reputation for precision in oyster-specific competitions. More recently, in September 2025, Bertoletti defended his title at the NORMS Hotcake Eating Championship by eating 32 buttermilk hotcakes in 10 minutes, narrowly beating Nick Wehry and reinforcing his command in breakfast-themed events through consistent performance. Bertoletti also triumphed in the 2013 Z-Burger Hamburger Eating Contest in Washington, D.C., downing 28 sliders in 10 minutes to set an event record and claim the crown, illustrating his specialization in compact burger challenges.

World records held

Patrick Bertoletti holds numerous world records sanctioned by (MLE), showcasing his versatility across diverse foods and formats. Many of these achievements were set during his peak competitive years from 2011 to 2015, when he established benchmarks in speed-eating challenges that remain unbroken over a decade later. One of Bertoletti's most enduring records is in pickled , where he consumed 275 whole peppers in 8 minutes at the 2011 La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship in . This mark, equivalent to over 20 pounds of spicy peppers, stands as the current MLE as of 2025. In pizza eating, Bertoletti set the record for 16-inch slices by devouring 47 in 10 minutes during the 2008 Battle at the Big Apple World Pizza Eating Championship in . This feat, totaling approximately 10 pounds of cheese and crust, has not been surpassed and highlights his proficiency in carb-heavy contests. Bertoletti's early records include 6.91 pounds of roast turkey meat eaten in 8 minutes at the 2007 Spike TV MLE Chowdown Countdown to in , a short-form event that emphasized rapid consumption of holiday fare. Among his other notable records, Bertoletti ate 50 king-sized pancakes (3.25 ounces each) in 10 minutes at the 2012 Wild Eggs National Pancake Eating Championship in , ingesting over 10 pounds of batter. He also previously held the poutine record with 13 pounds consumed in 10 minutes at the 2010 Smoke's Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship in on May 22, though this was surpassed post-2020, with the current mark at 28 pounds. Additional records include 72 cupcakes in 6 minutes at the 2012 Isle Waterloo World Cupcake Eating Championship in (April 14); 42 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 10 minutes at the 2007 Drum Corps International World Peanut Butter and Jelly Eating Championship in (August 8); and 18.475 pounds of blueberries in 8 minutes at the 2024 Great American Blueberry Challenge in (July 13). Bertoletti's training approach draws from his culinary background as a , incorporating targeted hydration techniques to expand capacity and jaw-strengthening exercises to build for high-volume . These methods, refined through daily practice with chugs and repetitive motions, have supported his record-setting performances.
Food/ItemQuantityTimeDateEvent/Location
Pickled Jalapeños275 peppers8 minutesMay 1, 2011La Costeña , , IL
16" Pizza Slices47 slices10 minutesNovember 9, 2008Battle at the , Fort Pierce, FL
Roast Turkey Meat6.91 lbs8 minutesNovember 22, 2007Spike TV MLE Chowdown, , NV
King Pancakes50 (3.25 oz each)10 minutesSeptember 29, 2012Wild Eggs , Louisville, KY
(former)13 lbs10 minutesMay 22, 2010Smoke's , , ON
Cupcakes72 cupcakes6 minutesApril 14, 2012Isle Waterloo World Cupcake Eating , Waterloo, IA
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches42 sandwiches10 minutesAugust 8, 2007 , Orlando, FL
Blueberries18.475 lbs8 minutesJuly 13, 2024Great American Blueberry Challenge, Grand Rapids, MI

Media and public appearances

Television and film

Bertoletti gained early television exposure through competitive eating specials, beginning with his appearance on Spike TV's "" in 2007, where he won the event by consuming 6.91 pounds of whole turkey in 8 minutes. This holiday-themed contest highlighted his rising profile in the sport. In 2014, Bertoletti competed on the Food Network's "Food Court Wars" as part of the team "Glutton Force 5," alongside food truck partner Tim Brown. Their episode, which aired in March, featured a challenge to secure a spot, ultimately winning them $5,000 and a year of free rent at a mall in . This appearance blended his eating prowess with entrepreneurial ventures in the food industry. Bertoletti's most prominent television coverage has come from ESPN's annual broadcasts of the Eating Contest, where he has competed regularly since 2007. These events, held on at , showcased his performances across multiple years, culminating in his 2024 victory, during which he consumed 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the Mustard Belt—his first men's title. ESPN's live coverage and highlights emphasized the intensity of the competition, including close races and his personal best. Beyond traditional broadcasts, Bertoletti has appeared in digital video content produced by and on platforms like . Following his 2024 Nathan's win, he featured in several post-event interviews discussing his training regimen and competitive mindset. In 2025, highlights from his participation in the Siegel's Bagelmania World Bagel Eating Championship were shared on , capturing the event's cream cheese-topped bagel challenges in . These videos, often hosted on MLE's channels and his personal account, provide behind-the-scenes insights into his preparation and event recaps. Bertoletti's early rise in competitive eating was profiled in the Chicago Reader in 2006, when he was a 21-year-old culinary student at Kendall College with ambitions to open a restaurant while pursuing the sport. The feature highlighted his natural aptitude, such as consuming eight burgers in seventh grade, and his 2005 earnings of nearly $16,000 from eat-offs, including a win of 212 grilled-cheese sandwiches. It portrayed him as an underdog ranked fourth by the International Federation of Competitive Eating, aiming to challenge at Nathan's Famous contest that summer. Following his 2024 Nathan's victory, Bertoletti was interviewed by Block Club , where he expressed pride in representing 's working-class food culture, stating, "It just makes sense that the winner this year… was a guy from ." The piece detailed his training regimen, which involved filming sessions and note-taking to reach a personal best of 58 hot dogs, and his 19-year career in food service, including operating in a Bag from 2015 to 2020. Ahead of the 2025 Nathan's contest, The Sun published a profile on Bertoletti as the defending champion, noting his status as a top competitive eater nicknamed "Deep Dish" and his determination to retain the Mustard Belt against returning rival . Post-event coverage in the same outlet reported his runner-up finish with 46.5 hot dogs, underscoring his resilience despite Chestnut's dominant 70.5-hot-dog performance. Yahoo Sports similarly covered Bertoletti's 2025 title defense in pre-event analysis, revisiting his 2024 upset win of 58 hot dogs—the first non-Chestnut victory since 2007—and highlighting his No. 2 world ranking and additional titles like the 2024 Chicken Nugget Championship. After the contest, the outlet detailed his second-place result of 46.5 hot dogs, praising his effort amid Chestnut's comeback. Bertoletti maintains an active online presence through his Instagram account @deepdisheats, which had over 3,900 followers by late 2025 and features recaps of eating contests, such as his 2024 Nathan's win and 2025 runner-up performance, alongside recipe shares and food challenges. His official biography on the Major League Eating website has been updated through 2025 events, chronicling records like 275 pickled jalapeños in 8 minutes from 2011 and recent feats including 220 chicken nuggets in 2024, positioning him as a consistent top contender in the sport.

Personal life

Interests and hobbies

Bertoletti maintains a low-key lifestyle in , where he resides with his girlfriend and two dogs, prioritizing a lower-stress routine and improved work-life balance after scaling back from the rigors of frequent competitive travel. His Chicago upbringing, having grown up in neighborhoods like Palos Heights and with family ties in Mount Greenwood, Mokena, and Frankfort, continues to shape his appreciation for the city's local culture. Beyond professional endeavors, Bertoletti pursues travel as a key interest, having visited four times for both family trips and events, as well as and other destinations, which allow him to explore diverse cultural and gustatory experiences.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Bertoletti has engaged in efforts focused on hunger relief, leveraging his platform as a competitive eater to support vulnerable populations. In July 2025, he volunteered at Food Bank For New York City's Community Kitchen in West , assisting in serving hot lunches—consisting of chicken, rice, and curry cabbage—to nearly 130 older adults through the organization's Older Adult Lunch Program. This hands-on participation allowed Bertoletti to interact directly with program recipients, emphasizing the human impact of anti-hunger initiatives. The volunteering event was coordinated as a partnership between Major League Eating, Nathan's Famous, and Food Bank For New York City, occurring just two days before the 2025 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Bertoletti joined fellow champions, including Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry, to prepare and distribute meals, aiming to raise awareness about food insecurity affecting New York City's five boroughs. Food Bank For New York City, the largest hunger-relief organization in the region, supports over 800 soup kitchens, food pantries, and community partners annually. This involvement aligns with broader philanthropic traditions tied to the community, where has donated 100,000 hot dogs each year to Food Bank For since 2008 to aid families facing food scarcity, particularly children during summer months when school meals are unavailable. Bertoletti's participation underscores his dedication to community causes beyond the contest arena.

References

  1. https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14618012/who-patrick-bertoletti-nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest/
  2. https://majorleagueeating.com/eaters/105/
  3. https://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_1b08b7c8-4396-11ef-aa5f-df0c65bd7a9e.html
  4. https://franoi.com/profiles/bertoletti/
  5. https://majorleagueeating.com/eaters/
  6. https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/07/10/hot-dog-champ-patrick-bertoletti-it-just-makes-sense-that-the-winner-was-a-guy-from-chicago/
  7. https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/hot-dog-eating-champ-patrick-bertoletti-chicago
  8. https://resto.newcity.com/2011/08/29/eat-it-the-life-and-times-of-patrick-deep-dish-bertoletti-a-world-class-competition-eater/
  9. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/07/05/chicagoan-patrick-bertoletti-celebrates-hot-dog-eating-contest-win-i-still-cant-really-believe-it/
  10. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/patrick-bertoletti
  11. https://beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_1b08b7c8-4396-11ef-aa5f-df0c65bd7a9e.html
  12. https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2018/08/07/national-louis-completes-kendall-acquisition
  13. https://chicagoreader.com/news/overeating-for-fun-and-profit/
  14. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/tsn/news/pat-bertoletti-2024-nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-champion/0928cbe27c46e4692dbc87bd
  15. https://wgntv.com/chicagosbesttv/chicagosbesttv-tacos-and-mexican/chicagos-best-street-food-taco-in-a-bag/
  16. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/07/30/the-cheap-eater-taco-in-a-bag/
  17. https://chicago.eater.com/2015/1/22/7873867/gluten-force-five-moves-to-chicago
  18. https://chicagoreader.com/blogs/swallow-your-shame-at-taco-in-a-bag/
  19. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/11/02/lincoln-squares-taco-in-a-bag-closes/
  20. https://chicagoreader.com/food/monday-night-foodball/patrick-deep-dish-bertoletti-john-carruthers-hot-dogs-crust-fund-pizza/
  21. https://www.memphisflyer.com/call-the-enquirer-somebodys-eaten-sasquatch
  22. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/257/
  23. https://nathansfranks.sfdbrands.com/en-us/promotions/hot-dog-eating-contest/hall-of-fame/
  24. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/festivals/new-champion-crowned-at-world-oyster-eating-contest/article_7c5f4038-fccf-54a2-a2ca-746de5b4b51a.html
  25. https://www.foodchallengenews.net/post/deep-dished-six-questions-with-patrick-bertoletti
  26. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/chicago-deep-dish-devours-bay-area-legend/1845375/
  27. https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2010/05/poutine_champ_eats_13_pounds_in_10_minutes/
  28. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/421/
  29. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/505/
  30. https://wjla.com/news/local/patrick-bertoletti-wins-hamburger-eating-contest-at-d-c-z-burger--90941
  31. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/blog/chicago-restaurant-owner-chugs-120-raw-eggs-on-tv
  32. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2349342-wing-bowl-2015-champion-patrick-bertoletti-eats-444-wings-in-26-minutes
  33. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2024/07/04/NY-Patrick-Bertoletti-wins-Nathans-hot-dog-eating/9371720105328/
  34. https://majorleagueeating.com/articles/1033/
  35. https://www.uranusgeneralstore.com/major-league-eater-james-webb-sets-new-world-record-eating-uranus-fudge
  36. https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/40495245/chicago-bertoletti-wins-first-nathan-hot-dog-eating-title
  37. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/1029/
  38. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/joey-chestnut-chows-down-15-bagels-to-win-5k-in-las-vegas-3273810/
  39. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/1033/
  40. https://news.kalshi.com/p/interview-patrick-bertoletti-july-4-hot-dog-eating-contest-champion
  41. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-2024-calories-consumed/
  42. https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/news/prize-money-for-2024-nathan-s-hot-dog-eating-contest-winner
  43. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/pat-bertoletti-upsets-molly-schuyler-to-win-wing-bowl-23/
  44. https://smokespoutinerie.com/wall-of-wow/pat-deep-dish-bertoletti/
  45. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24088714
  46. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/deep-dish-downs-35-dozen-oysters-for-acme-victory
  47. https://edubilla.com/sport/competitive-eating/players/patrick-bertoletti/
  48. http://burgerdays.com/deep-dish-bertoletti-downs-28-burgers-in-10-minutes-to-set-record-take-z-burger-crown/
  49. https://majorleagueeating.com/records/
  50. https://majorleagueeating.com/articles/640/
  51. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/519/
  52. https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2012/10/world_poutine_eating_championship_sees_surprise_win/
  53. https://wcfcourier.com/article_65278967-63b9-575a-add3-575c7209a6d9.html
  54. https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grand-rapids/blueberry-eating-world-record-set-in-grand-rapids-by-patrick-bertoletti
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS49LEkg_qQ
  56. https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/news-feed-page/posts/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-eaters-training
  57. https://www.sogoodblog.com/2007/11/08/mle-chowdown-the-turkey-bowl-on-spike-tv/
  58. https://www.dailyherald.com/20150420/lifestyle/food-court-wars-taco-eatery-calls-old-spring-hill-locale-middle-of-nowhere/
  59. https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=40495198
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy3HpFW-f0A
  61. https://majorleagueeating.com/contests/1005/
  62. https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14625415/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-2025-full-results-finishing-order/
  63. https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-results-joey-chestnut-earns-17th-win-in-dominant-return-from-one-year-absence/live/
  64. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/patrick-bertoletti-revisiting-last-time-100001740.html
  65. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nathans-hot-dog-eating-contest-results-joey-chestnut-claims-17th-win-with-705-hot-dogs-after-1-year-ban-170412501.html
  66. https://www.instagram.com/deepdisheats/?hl=en
  67. https://www.foodbanknyc.org/news-and-stories/you-see-them-as-people-major-league-eating-competitors-serve-harlem-before-nathans-july-4th-hot-dog-contest/
  68. https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwfood-wine/article/FOOD-BANK-FOR-NEW-YORK-CITY-A-Volunteer-Visit-from-Competitive-Eaters-20250709
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