Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest In Hot Water Amid Cheating Allegations

The famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest, which takes place on the Fourth of July every year, has found itself in yet another controversy.

2024's annual eating contest looked slightly different, as 16-time winner Joey Chestnut was banned from participating due to his partnership with Impossible Foods. After the news broke, Americans were outraged as Chestnut chowing down on hot dogs is an Independence Day tradition.

Luckily for fans, the 40-year-old participated in Pop Goes the Fort July 4th Celebration, where he consumed 57 hot dogs in five minutes.

While it seems the Joey Chestnut controversy has died down, Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest is once again in hot water amid cheating allegations.

Nick Wehry, the husband of women’s division champion Miki Sudo, is facing some sizzling accusations.

During the thrilling July Fourth hot dog eating contest, two insiders claim he used some sneaky sleight of hand tricks to boost his hot dog count and sneak into the ranks of the sport's top contenders.

On the big day at Coney Island, Nick Wehry chowed down an impressive 46.75 hot dogs in the sizzling showdown, securing a fourth-place finish. Footage and reports from The Post and ESPN captured the crowd's excitement and cheers.

But here's where it gets juicy. That 46.75 figure later jumped to 51.75 on the official Major League Eating (MLE) results website, allegedly giving Wehry credit for five extra hot dogs that he was allegedly never served.

“100% he cheated,” one source told The New York Post.

Each contestant's plate starts with five hot dogs, so every empty plate equals five hot dogs devoured. The judges use these stacks to determine the final scores. Any “debris” left uneaten on the top plate — bits of bun or stray chunks of beef — is subject to the judges’ call and might be deducted from the total.

Now, according to the sources who spoke with The Post, Wehry "stole plates" from another competitor's stack and added them to his own place setting, which allegedly inflated his score to over 50 hot dogs.

The alleged reason Wehry's score was bumped up after the contest ended was that he seemingly asked for a recount following the initial judge’s tally.

“I can only assume he demanded a recount after stealing the plate,” the source claimed.

Following the accusations, Wehry told The Post that he was appalled by them, claiming he “stole nothing” and that he never “demanded 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,” Wehry said. “I would never cheat at a contest, regardless of why. People that know me know that.”

After the competition, Nick Wehry took the opportunity to comment on the outcome on Instagram.

"Not what we set out for. So in that regard I’m sorry to those that support and encourage me," he began in a lengthy statement. "Personal best of 51.75 hotdogs and buns which put me in 4th. Congrats to Pat on the W of course and @geoffesper and @jwebby_can.eat for 2/3. Awesome work guys."

"We put on a great show for everyone and an exciting contest. Great numbers," he continued. "Thank you to @espn for putting on an awesome production, @jeremyschaap for kicking ass on the call, @eatingcontest for putting up with all of us eaters and making this a great show and of course @originalnathansfranks @originalnathans for giving us the best hot dogs on earth. Can’t wait for next year."

He then gave a shout out to "the love of my life @omgitsmiki for her amazing 51 personal best and new women’s record. Great job babe. Knew you could do it. Proud of you. Love you all. Thanks for another great year."

Miki Sudo made history when she took home the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest belt after eating the most hot dogs ever in the contest by a woman.