Nick Wehry, a contestant at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, has been accused of cheating during the event, according to a report by the New York Post. The report, citing two anonymous sources, alleges that video footage shows Wehry moving an additional plate onto the stack in front of him after the competition had ended, thereby increasing his official count by five hot dogs.
Empty plates are used to determine the official tally of consumed hot dogs at the contest. The New York Post reported that Wehry lingered on stage after the event concluded and was captured on video shuffling and moving items, including at least one plate, around the table in front of him. Initially credited with eating 46.75 hot dogs, Wehry’s score was later adjusted to 51.75 hot dogs after the recount, securing him fourth place and a prize of $1,000.
Major League Eating (MLE), the organization that sanctions the event, declared Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti the winner of the men’s event with a total of 58 hot dogs and buns.
In a text message to the Post, Wehry denied the cheating allegations, stating he “stole nothing” and denied demanding a recount of his original score. “If MLE determines I was miscounted then fix my number,” Wehry told the Post. “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’s wife, Miki Sudo, who won the women’s championship by eating 51 hot dogs and buns, marking the first time a female competitor had surpassed the 50 hot dog threshold, 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,” Sudo told the Post by phone.
According to the Post, MLE investigated the cheating allegations and decided not to overturn the results. “MLE investigated, carefully considering the complaint and reviewing the 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.”
The controversy surrounding Wehry’s performance has sparked debate among fans and competitors, but MLE’s decision stands, maintaining the integrity of the contest and its results.