Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, joined Chicago’s Morning Answer ahead of this year’s showdown to talk competitive eating, culinary roots, and what it’s like to prepare for one of the most extreme food feats in the world.
Bertoletti, a lifelong Chicagoan who grew up in Palos Heights and now lives in the North Park neighborhood, is currently ranked the No. 2 competitive eater in the world. He claimed the Nathan’s title last year by downing 58 hot dogs in 10 minutes—but this year brings a new challenge: the return of longtime champion Joey Chestnut.
Although the rivalry is friendly—Bertoletti recently trained with Chestnut at his home in Indiana—he acknowledged the stakes are higher this year. “He’s coming back with something to prove,” Bertoletti said. Chestnut holds the record with 76 hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes.
Despite the competition, Bertoletti maintains a practical approach to training. He prepares by consuming large volumes of hot dogs and liquids to stretch his stomach, a method he’s refined over two decades in the sport. “The stomach is just a big muscle,” he explained. “You just have to train it like any other.”
His career in competitive eating started with a simple love of food. A culinary school graduate, Bertoletti still works full-time at a catering company on Chicago’s north side. He’s set numerous records over the years—most recently eating 18.5 pounds of blueberries in one sitting—and once took home $20,000 and a motorcycle at a now-defunct Philadelphia contest called Wing Bowl.
Though the prizes can be impressive—Nathan’s awards $10,000 to the winner—it’s the experiences that keep him going. Competitive eating has taken him around the world, including a recent trip to Japan for a TV appearance.
Bertoletti is candid about the physical toll of the sport. From heartburn to uncomfortable recoveries (especially after events like his jalapeño-eating record of 275 peppers in eight minutes), he admits the job isn’t for everyone. Still, he emphasizes the importance of balance and doesn’t recommend the lifestyle to others—especially kids. “Hopefully they have parents who discourage them,” he joked.
As for strategy, Bertoletti confirmed the presence of some psychological games among competitors. While he avoids trash talk with Chestnut—“he’s kind of got my number”—he has used mind games to get into the heads of other eaters.
After this week’s contest, Bertoletti plans to take a break, perhaps even a “health retreat.” But he’ll stay on call for more events through the summer competitive eating season.
Asked about his nickname, “Deep Dish,” he credited his Chicago roots—and the tradition of goofy monikers in the sport. While the food might be serious business, Bertoletti is keeping things light. “I’m all about the travel, the experience—and the next challenge.”