Adding some drama to the already intense Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Nick Wehry, a notable competitor, has been accused of cheating his way to a higher score.
Reports surfaced that Wehry, who initially tallied at 46.75 hot dogs, may have stealthily added an extra plate to his count post-competition. The extra plate pushed his final score to 51.75 hot dogs.
According to sources cited by the New York Post, video footage apparently shows Wehry manipulating plates after the contest ended. The official tally process relies heavily on the number of empty plates in front of each competitor. Each plate represents five hot dogs.
Wehry was allegedly seen lingering on stage, shuffling plates, which raised some eyebrows and accusations of foul play.
The source claimed to the publication, “I can only assume he demanded a recount after stealing the plate.”
Nick Wehry’s Response
Wehry has denied any wrongdoing. In a text to the New York Post, he stated, “I stole nothing.” He also emphasized that he did not demand a recount.
“If MLE determines I was miscounted, then fix my number. My placing did not change if this was the case. I would never want to take a placing or number I didn’t earn. I would never cheat at a contest, regardless of why. People that know me know that,” Wehry stated.
Miki Sudo, the women’s division champion and Wehry’s wife, also defended him.
“I was watching Nick the entire time, there is a camera on him the entire time, there’s no way the judges got it wrong,” she told the Post.
Sudo herself made headlines by devouring 51 hot dogs, marking a new milestone for female competitors.
Major League Eating’s Stance
Major League Eating (MLE), the contest’s governing body, investigated the allegations but ultimately decided not to overturn the results.
“MLE investigated, carefully considering the complaint and reviewing video provided to us,” the organization said in a statement. “Like many other professional sports leagues, it is our policy to not overturn judges’ decisions after the final results have been recorded.”
Who Won The Contest?
This year’s contest saw Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti claim the top spot with 58 hot dogs, seizing the Mustard Belt in the absence of 16-time champion Joey Chestnut. Chestnut was disqualified about a month before the competition due to his endorsement of a vegan product.
In an interview after the competition and being named the winner, Bertoletti shared:
“[It] just didn’t seem real because I always come in second to Joey, and he’s not here, so it was my time to step up. I prepared a lot, and it worked. [I] was able to recreate what I did at home, which is hard, and I’m just really happy.”
RELATED: Joey Chestnut Responds To Being Banned From Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest isn’t just about eating large quantities. It also involves strategy, staminda, and sometimes, controversy, which we have seen here.
The contest, held annually on July 4th, has become a hallmark of American culture, drawing competitors and audiences from around the globe. For Wehry, known for his record of eating 50 hard-boiled eggs in the shortest time, this controversy has thrust the darker side of competitive eating into the spotlight.
To add some context, the prize for finishing in fourth place was set at $1,500. If the claims about Wehry cheating are true, one can only wonder: Was it really worth it?