Nathan’s cheating allegations
update July 15 TMZ has an interview with Geoff Esper about the allegations:
“There has been other cheating instances in the past,” he said. “As far as I know there was never any suspensions or anything like that. So by looking at past practices, I don’t see that’s going to happen, but I think to stop it from happening in the future something should be done.”
“If there’s no incentive not to do it, why wouldn’t someone else do it?”
update July 12 USA Today has an article with statements from Wehry and Major League Eating:
“I asked Sean how many (hot dogs) he got,’’ Wehry, 35, told USA TODAY Sports by text. “Said awesome job but it looked like more. Always recount…so we did. All of us at one point or another have been shorted a plate, double plated etc.’’
The plates, served to competitors during the event, hold five dogs and buns. After the contest, empty plates are used to determine the official tally of hot dogs and buns consumed.
The extra plate boosted Wehry’s total to 51.75 from 46.75, according to the allegations.
Yeager, who competed while standing next to Wehry, told USA TODAY Sports he did not want to comment “until someone can help us get more video (of the incident) to put this thing to bed.’’
Major League Eating (MLE), which runs the Nathan’s contest, said it investigated the matter and was taking no action against Wehry, who received $1,000 for finishing fourth.
“After being made aware of the accusation stemming from last Thursday’s contest, MLE investigated the incident, carefully considering the complaint and reviewing the videos provided to us,’’ MLE 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.
“Earlier today, Nick Wehry asked MLE to lower his score to 46.75 based on his touching another eater’s plates. MLE has agreed to adjust the official count. Wehry remains the 4th place finisher of the hot dog eating contest on July 4, 2024.”
The Washington Post also has an article
update July 10 The allegations about Nick Wehry made the front page of the New York Post
update The New York Post has an article about the incident
Yesterday afternoon, the following allegations were made in a long comment about the men’s 2024 Nathan’s finals:
For those that do not know yet, at the Nathan’s July 4th contest, there was blatant cheating that occurred by one eater after the contest had concluded and the official results for the top finishers had been announced by George Shea on the microphone. Specifically, Nick W. (original HDB count of 46.75) picked up Sean Y’s empty hot dog plates and was seen taking one of them to add to his own pile/count before placing Sean’s plates back in front of his eating space and consolidating them into a single pile. Nick then is seen placing a plate containing hot dogs on top of Sean’s empty plates, presumably to cover-up the fact that a plate had been stolen from Sean’s empty-plate pile. Even though Nick had counted his own plates multiple times prior to touching Sean’s plates, and Mike Sullivan appeared to count them twice during the initial judging, Nick W. requested another recount after tampering with Sean’s plates. This re-count was performed by Mike Sullivan after almost all of the other contestants had cleared the stage. At this point, a magic “extra” plate had appeared in Nick’s pile, and at that time, MLE judges (Mike) had apparently decided to credit Nick with an extra 5 hot dogs to his total. This is why the 46.75 on-air total for Nick now shows as 51.75 in the final results/on MLE’s website. The “late recount” can be observed via video, and MLE staff should also be able to confirm that this late recount was requested and performed.
Upon learning that Nick’s official total was increased by five hotdogs, (on the morning of July 5) I reviewed video footage that I was able to find online to see if I could find evidence of what occurred. While I have not been able to find a clear, 1080P HD video that shows the cheating occurring fully in-frame for the entire segment, various clips make it apparent what actually occurred. In addition, if you watch Nick during the full 10 minute contest, it is very clear that his amended official total (after being increased by 5 HDBs to 51.75) was not possible. In other words, even if he had no deductions for leftover hot dogs and debris, he still did not eat enough that the final announced (adjusted) result could have made sense. Nick ate 47 hot dogs during the contest, and I believe he was deducted 0.25 hot dogs for debris. Early in the contest, his counter got ahead of his total number eaten by 2 HDB’s, which is why it seemed that Nick started off very fast, when in reality, he was 2 HDBs behind the number displayed above him.
Depending on how MLE responds, I have decided that my days as an MLE eater are numbered, as being at the table with individuals that are willing to cheat on this grand of a scale is not what I signed up for. This act of cheating did not personally impact me, and it did not change the placing of the top 5 eaters that day. Dropping out of MLE would not have a huge impact on me financially, but I understand some of you are deeply invested in participating in this league, and often earn considerable income in the form of prize money, so departing from MLE’s events may not be a reality for you. I am wishing everyone the best of luck, but I encourage you to look out for yourself first and foremost when it comes to your future within MLE or elsewhere in the wild world of competitive eating. Special thanks to OJ for continuing to update the Eatfeats site with news and results. I hope he picks this story up and perhaps even finds more evidence / different camera angles of the plate-stealing.
Here are video links of the cheating with time-stamps and explanation of what is occuring. You all can be the judge of if you think cheated or not. In my opinion, there is no doubt that he stole a plate before requesting a re-count.
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CObVLMkN4Y
1:25:58 – Nick picks up Sean’s plates, appears to speak with Sean and twirls plates in his hands
1:26:14 – Nick puts Sean’s stack of plates that he picked up down in front of him.
1:26:16 – Nick keeps one plate from Sean’s pile that he put down in front of him, and puts the remaining plates from Sean’s pile back in front of Sean’s spot at the table
1:26:23 – Nick cleans up more of the spot in front him (dumps cups and plates clean)2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZySj8hwzgZA&list=WL&index=2
18:20 – Nick picks up Sean’s plates, appears to speak with Sean and twirls plates in his hands
18:36 – Nick puts Sean’s stack of plates that he picked up down in front of him.
18:45 – Nick cleans up more of the spot in front him (dumps cups / plates clean)
18:55 – Nick places a plate of hotdogs in front of Sean on top of Sean’s remaining plates (now short one plate), and slides the entire pile back in front of Sean’s eating spot
20:00 – Nick can be seen in background, with Miki also on stage next to him now, having Mike S. recount his pile (in which there is now an 11th plate)3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6IjOz9_1zk&t=942s
14:41 – Nick seems to acknowledge his total count of “47” using his hands (four fingers in one hand, followed by five fingers on his right hand + two on his left hand to equal “7”)
15:02 – Mike Sullivan officially counts Nicks plates for the initial (written) tally on his paper. Mike counts the plates at least two times. Counting by Mike finally finished at 15:48.4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxjhzIT0a_A
1:45:41 – Nick picks up Sean’s plates, twirls them in his hand
1:45:55 – Nick puts Sean’s stack of plates that he picked up down in front of him.
1:45:58 – Nick keeps one plate from Sean’s pile that he put down in front of him, puts the remaining plates from Sean’s pile back in front of Sean’s spot at the table
1:46:05 – Nick cleans up more of the spot in front him (dumps cups / plates clean)
1:46:15 – Nick places a plate of hotdogs in front of Sean on top of Sean’s remaining plates (now short one plate), and slides the entire pile back in front of Sean’s eating spotI am posting this not to shame Nick (although I agree that is deserved, at a minimum), but because I feel that every eater that competes within MLE deserves to know what some people are willing to do during eating contests. And Nick, when you see this, I suggest that you do not try to explain yourself or pretend that a plate was not taken. Just sit back and take what is about to come like a man. You’re not in the “50 Club” yet, so maybe re-think what you post about your “personal best” going forward, too.
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Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 9:52 am
Cheaters really ought to be suspended for a full year, including from the event in which they cheated. One eater will not be missed by anyone. The eaters need the attention and the contests way more than any fan or sponsor does.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:16 am
OJ (or anyone)–when was the last time there was an accusation of cheating at Nathan’s July 4th that was as apparent / obvious as this is? Has anyone ever been DQ’d from Nathan’s before due to cheating??
Anon said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:20 am
Man even the alleged Crazy Legs Conti “Escondido” fiasco is not as bad as this. On the grandest stage of them all. In front of a crowd with spectators & cameras. Very brazen if true. Why? For what reason? Money? Personal pride? Even talking to him as he touched his plates. If Nick tried to handle my plates I would have told him to put them the F down. Not cool. Not cool at all. Puts a dark cloud over the Super Bowl of Competitive Eating:
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:26 am
The plate “twirl” is a tell. Just like in poker. He showed his hand in that one action. A nervous plate twirl.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:44 am
What do you expect from the spouse of a felon. Never trust anyone willing to cheat in front of this much media.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:56 am
Take his prize away .
Corbucci deserves it.
If he cheated here, I wonder what else he cheated at in other contests this year
Max said
July 9, 2024 @ 12:16 pm
Oh… is it the competition. Or is Nick jealous of Miki’s success and needed that extra plate to jump her PB!?!?!
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 12:19 pm
I wouldn’t want to be associated with Nick if this is his true nature.
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
July 9, 2024 @ 12:32 pm
Here is the Deadspin post about Crazy Legs Conti’s conduct at the 2010 Escondido, CA Nathan’s qualifier, but that was not at the finals.There was no penalty for Conti and he was allowed to compete July 4.
https://deadspin.com/conspiracy-theorist-claims-competitive-eater-did-not-sw-5577484/
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 12:40 pm
Nick is super insecure and talks a lot of smack amongst other eaters. Cheating is the worst offense as trust has been lost and whatever douchey reputation he had is now tarnished forever. Bullied a rookie, lied and tried to jump another eater out of money only to take 4th place instead of 5th….pointless. Ironic how he calls other eaters out for debris and cheating, as it’s a distraction from his shady antics. Losing is way better than cheating as nobody would have had a second thought about him if he ate 46 or 51, but now they do.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 12:45 pm
If you watch the third YouTube clip, you can see in Nick’s face how upset and pissed off he is. He definitely was not happy about his total.. I thought that he cheered on everybody’s totals and everybody’s placement. I guess that’s not how Nick rolls. What a role model. Both for the circuit, that organization he eats for and his family.
NicksPressSecretary said
July 9, 2024 @ 12:50 pm
He was probably having a bad day. You know. Jet lag from the Florida flight. He’s going nowhere! The eating elite need to deal with it. End of story Pal.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 1:58 pm
If he felt like he had been cheated in previous contests, it may have flipped a switch causing this attempt.
I hope it was out of pressure and desperation and does not define him as a person.
Not cool though and MLE had better acknowledge this.
I am a low key Wehry fan and this is frustrating in so many ways.
Sean is likely pretty steamed being used like this.
I won’t even go into the whole friends & family angle.
Nicksfanclub said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:05 pm
Probably put dogs in his pocket too. The weight lifting enhancement drugs finally showing up in the way he conducted a test in human ethics. Does he run around the apartment licking Miki’s belts out of jealousy? Yes I do mean licking. He needs a taste of a prize. Miki is a fool as well but hasn’t gotten caught. When the press learns of her felony years ago they won’t want her as representative for the country. What a unamerican couple.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:36 pm
There has been many allegations of cheating in mlle contests as far back to 20yrs and counting Dale Boone crazy legs just to name a few but the most memorable cheating went undetected at the carmines meatball eating contest in Atlantic City In that contest an unnamed eater was spotted by another eater tossing meatballs from the small bucket into the adjacent bigger bucket to pad his pitiful total of two pounds
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:40 pm
205 I don’t even know the guy but I still can’t stand him
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:56 pm
Did it affect his placing. Wouldnt it stay the same. Still wrong if on purpose but isn’t it the same?
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:57 pm
This is crazy. If intentional. I know Juanmorebite admitted to getting double plated years back but never said anything. I don’t think I ever heard wehry talk smack on other eaters. I know Steve Hammond did a good deal but nick seems to be cool with most
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 2:58 pm
Didn’t Kobi get accused of cheating at tacos a few years back against Molly?
NicksPressSecretary said
July 9, 2024 @ 3:29 pm
Nick always plate twirls at contests. Fake news! The videos are obvious deep fakes to discredit Nick. He doesn’t wear shorts with pockets. More false narratives!
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 3:37 pm
If you really want to call Nick/MLE out, OP should post this on tiktok/youtube. Clip the shots, add in the arrows and zoom ins and share it. Otherwise, this just stays in this forum and everyone will forget about it.
MLEReporter said
July 9, 2024 @ 4:21 pm
3:37 – Do you mean to tell me not one MLE competitor even anonymously has reported this potential issue to the head cheeses at MLE? I doubt that. This is bigger news than Moh being arrested and surviving in jail without a buffet twice a day? Bigger than everyone trying to coattail Beard at the Nathan’s contest? Bigger news than determining that James Webb is actually an alien from another planet given his logistical and daily eating challenge ability for months on end? Bigger news than Esper actually wearing a non Inzer Powerlifting t-shirt?
NicksTrainer said
July 9, 2024 @ 4:29 pm
Word on the street is Nick has been secretly training with BooBerry cereal for the upcoming blueberry eating contest. Much harder to eat than actual blueberries. Although due to their size actual blueberries might be easy to smoke and mirror with?
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
July 9, 2024 @ 4:37 pm
Just from what I saw in person his claim of 51.75 is not credible. I didnt find out til last night that they revised his number up. I was up against the fence in Coney between Pat and Esper, only the judges were closer. Web and then Nick were stage right of Esper. I could throw a sandwich and hit Nick, he was that close. . Each Eater had a dedicated judge marking each HotDog eaten and the Bunnette behind them was just reflecting that number to the crowd. The center people also had a ton of MLE staff observing and helping. The crowd I was with was savy and we had banter on each eater as they progressed for the whole ten minutes.. Potentially any of the four could win. We watched the numbers climb and the faces of the eaters. To be missing 5 HDB wouldnt be possible in this set up. His numbers climbed and slowed at the same pace as he was eating, We could SEE that Web was eating faster, It would have been blatant if he kept eating and the numbers didnt climb.
Nick KNEW his number was around 47 and seemed to accept it when it was announced many times. There is no freaking way he could unknowingly hit 50, that is such a special exclusive club. More people have walked on the moon than have eaten 50 hotdogs. Think of the first time you broke 20 hotdogs! You KNEW it. Hes so competitive he would have freaked out at the end if they denied him that. Yeager and Webb would have known it being so close. George was constantly updating everyones numbers on the PA. His wife would have freaked out. I was routing for him to break 50, he didnt.
I watched all the videos. Why was he the only person playing with plates afterwards on stage? Everyone else was suffering with a load in their belly and trying to get off stage to a toilet. Does he think hes helping the cleaning staff while under duress is believable? You know they just roll that whole table cloth up into a trash can. Really shady shit to touch other people plates and then suddenly need a third recount. What did Yeager and Web see? What did he tell Yeager? What did he tell Mike?
Saw it with my eyes. No fucking way.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 4:39 pm
@2:58 he didn’t cheat, it was just a controversial judges decision as Molly had a higher unofficial total but then lost after debris was deducted. Many people thought the judges were overly harsh as the tacos are inherently messy and all the eaters left behind debris.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
July 9, 2024 @ 4:40 pm
Also I’d like to be the first person to register the name “Plate-Gate”.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 5:02 pm
Nick is a chronic master-plater.
For those that compete–when is it normally “safe” to leave the stage and not need to worry about your plates any more?
The Zapruda Film said
July 9, 2024 @ 5:05 pm
Someone in the crowd on the corner of Surf & Stillwell on July 4, 2024 has the clear smoking gun footage of Nick & his handling of those plates. It’s only a matter of time.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 7:24 pm
Interesting commentary on this podcast and from Danny Smythe (Pressbox) to consider also…
NW had 16:1 odds to get over 47 dogs …
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/cofield-company/611-h2-you-like-betting-dogs-K0_hi4O-JUj/ https://amp.listennotes.com/podcasts/cofield-company/611-h2-you-like-betting-dogs-K0_hi4O-JUj/amp/
ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)
July 9, 2024 @ 8:26 pm
Nick Wehry’s official Vegas over/under appears to have been 44.5 hot dogs
https://x.com/AnthonyLJeff/status/1808554462480347499
New York Post said
July 9, 2024 @ 9:38 pm
New York Post has picked up on the situation now.
https://nypost.com/2024/07/09/us-news/in-hot-water-cheating-allegations-rock-nathans-famous-hot-dog-eating-contest/
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 9:45 pm
Nick Wehry is a cheater. He will forever be known as a fraud and has lost all credibility amongst the eating community. Video and pictures don’t lie. He can deny all he wants, but he knows what he did. Not a good role model to anyone. Has accomplished very little. Is completely disrespectful to his fellow eaters and MLE brass talking negatively behind the Sheas backs. Glad this has happened and that he gets to read real comments by honest observers and competitors.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 9:55 pm
I really wish Major League Eating would make a better effort to respect the integrity of competitive eating and the efforts of its eaters. Sports leagues tend not to overturn mistakes when those mistakes were made honestly. But when cheating is involved, those leagues address the problem and punish the offenders because doing so is important to maintaining the integrity of the game and the trust that the public and the participants place in it. In this instance, we have evidence of serious cheating and of a judge making a faulty decision only because he seems to have been lied to by a competitor. Ben Johnson didn’t get to walk around as the “world’s fastest man” for very long after he was caught cheating in the Seoul Olympics. His time was struck from the record books quickly, he was suspended, and the sport maintained some legitimacy. Major League Eating should do the same: correct Nick’s total, hand down a punishment, and let the public know that it did so.
Anonymous said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:05 pm
Sick of the hungry couple.
Nick Denies It said
July 9, 2024 @ 10:47 pm
In this New York Post article, Nick & Miki proclaim his innocence from any cheating
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 2:52 am
I just regerstered it. Pretty expensive
NicksLawyer said
July 10, 2024 @ 4:38 am
As Nick’s lawyer, I just want to make sure anyone who continues to slander my client and say he cheated will be hit with a defamation lawsuit. He is innocent! He was just helping to clean up the table. Just ask his wife. He has a thing about dirty plates being left on tables. That’s all this was. Nick helping to clean up the table. This is all a conspiracy to “take him out” of competitive eating because he was on his way to the top of the sport! We will fight this to the bitter end!
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 5:44 am
#WheryMyExtraPlate?
What did Nick say to Sean Yeager?? said
July 10, 2024 @ 6:56 am
Sean Yeager needs to break his silence and let the public know what Nick said to him as Nick was fondling his plates!!!!
NicksHairDresser said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:02 am
Congrats to Nick with all this publicity in getting a new sponsorship from Mohhawk Hair Paint!
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:16 am
They gave Joey the boot, but keep him?
I knew the whole hungry couple thing was a mistake.
I hope she is privately as furious as fans are.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:32 am
Hungry couple are always innocent. I wonder what other things have been hush hushed.
SeansSubconsciousMind said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:57 am
If Sean doesn’t come out with a statement we probably have a good idea who might have posted about this in the first place? Why wouldn’t he come out and stick up for Nick if it was warranted based on what was said?
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 8:26 am
https://imgflip.com/i/8wh5g7
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 9:36 am
Joey, if you are reading this, can you make your return to Nathan’s in 2025 contingent on Nick not being allowed to compete? haha
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 10:32 am
Nobody can save these two
anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 12:04 pm
knowing the sheas he wont face any kind of punishment All they care about is signing the contract and dont mess with their sponsors on your own
anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 12:05 pm
the front page of the post woooooooooooooooow
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 12:55 pm
Hey OJ,
Thanks for keeping the page alive.
This would’ve never went public otherwise.
Spreading like wild fire said
July 10, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
TMZ, the same publication that was first to publish the story of Michael Jackson’s death back in 2009, is now taking “plategate” main stream.
https://amp.tmz.com/2024/07/10/competitive-eater-nick-wehry-accused-cheating-hot-dog-contest-denies-claim/
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 1:27 pm
Nicky and Miki
America loves a scandal
Be better role models
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 1:31 pm
This is Sean Yeager:
I am willing to go on the record and give my full, 100% unfiltered story from the moment the contest ended up until now. However, I will only do so under either of these 2 circumstances:
1. MLE contacts me and asks me for my full version of what occurred on-stage and what has transpired since July 4th. I would like for them to confirm if they are still investigating the matter and considering any disciplinary actions.
2. A media outlet comes forth with additional video footage that shows the plate-tampering in high-definition detail so that there is no longer any question as to whether or not a plate was stolen (not “accidentally misplaced”)
I don’t have anything to gain from sharing my account of what has occurred unless there is potential for this act of cheating to be heavily investigated and punished. If you don’t believe this is Sean, then that’s your choice. If any eaters out there want to contact me personally but don’t have my number, just message me on social media or ask around to others for my cell #. My alliance is currently with the integrity of the sport and the other honest/trustworthy eaters who will be impacted by the outcome of this situation, and not MLE, the media, or any other parties. All I am wishing for is a swift, yet decisive, resolution by MLE that makes it clear that they will take a “0-tolerance” stance with respect to cheating now and going forward. To deter cheating in the future, I personally believe that some form of punishment is warranted whenever cheating occurs.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 1:35 pm
Nick isn’t as proud of his nut belt. It’s an embarrassing comparison to a mustard belt.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 1:46 pm
Nick can easily get out of this unwarranted attack on his integrity. Simply offer up his prize money as a reward for the first clear footage of the time in question. This will show that he did not take a plate from Sean. He gets his reputation back and can then go after the Post for their hit job they ran on him. Is his reputation worth 1.5k? If the reward is to small he could add a % of any future lawsuit $.
#plategate
Maybe this new footage will also explain how Nick “allegedly” took bun debris off the table and placed it into a cup. He then drank from that same cup after the time was up and before his plates were counted the first time. This one will be a lot harder to disprove as there is clear video that it happened.
#debrisgate
While is seems very obvious that Nick “allegedly” cheated with #debrisgate, we have to take him at his word that he never knowingly took one of Seans plates. He was just in the moment twirling another eaters plates, adding them to his pile, separating them, returning them to the eater, than adding a plate with hotdogs on top of those plates. All of this never done before by any eater in any contest ever, it was all just innocent thing. Steakbelly I think said he was cleaning the stage. An exceptional role model right there on stage. I dont remember seeing Barry Bonds, Lance Armstrong or the Astros do this.
But if he did take a plate then why? Join the 50 club? To not lose by over 10 dogs when you told people this could be your year? Did he have $ on this # or him vs Miki? OJR – your odds you linked seem a little off. I dont think Darren was in the contest
I hope for his sake new footage comes out showing he didn’t take a plate. However even if it does, it doesnt change to fact that he was “allegedly” clearly cheating by hiding debris than eating it.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 2:03 pm
There should be a new rule that eaters are not allowed to touch anything on the table after the contest, no matter what. Needless to say, in the future, there will be people watching every single eater, to make sure that the sanctity of the contest is kept true.
NicksPRadvisor said
July 10, 2024 @ 2:29 pm
He’s hit every single news network. Mentioned the wife in most . He’s not married.
Anony said
July 10, 2024 @ 2:46 pm
I bet his ex wife is dying of the laughter over this one. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat. This applies for more than a contest.
Eye in The Sky Does Not Lie said
July 10, 2024 @ 3:41 pm
I literally watched the contest over. 2 great camera angles up close on Nick the entire contest.The first YouTube angle is literally upclose Hd on Nick the entire 10 minutes minus the last 20 seconds the camera person pans to Pats finish. Watch on your computer (full hd and in fullscreen.)
1. https://youtu.be/DRuXIq6Tf9A?feature=shared (Contest starts 2:23:20)
When the camera pans away with 20 seconds left, Nick is working on finishing his 45th and 46th hot dog. I literally sat here and counted each one!! You literally cannot deny this fact. Since the start he picks up 2 hot dogs, eats them, dunks the buns and as he’s finishing the buns, he clear as day picks up another 2 hot dogs. As the camera pans back to Nick at the end, the card lady bumped nicks total to 48, but physically there is no way he could have eaten another 2 dogs and buns with mere seconds left. His mouth is stuffed so full he’s got dogs hanging out and he even scoops up more debri after the contest was over and eats it!!!
This angle gives you 99.99% certainty Nick came no where close to eating 51 hot dogs in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest!! Period. End of sentence.
2. The second YouTube video of the contest is head on and you can see Nick eating the entire time from start to finish, it’s just not as up close, but still if you watch this on your computer or big screen, in full screen mode, again, clear as day you will see that Nick did not break the 50 hot dog mark unfortunately. Whatever may or may not have happened with “plate gate” and Nicks Denial, well that’s on him. Whatever makes him sleep well at night.
Link: https://youtu.be/z4Dkb0P1RI8?feature=shared (contest starts 14:20)
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 3:47 pm
https://imgflip.com/i/8wiouz
Here’s a better one
At best 46 hot dogs said
July 10, 2024 @ 4:01 pm
I watched the 2nd link from the post above & Nick literally ate 46 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes with enough debri for a deduction. Case closed. Prove me wrong otherwise. I sat here, did not take my eyes off of Nick eating and counted every last hot dog and bun that he consumed on July 4th, 2024. 46!! Not 48, not 51, 46!!!
https://youtu.be/z4Dkb0P1RI8?feature=shared
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 4:12 pm
Anyone with a working brain can figure out Sean was the one who tipped off what clearly appears to be Nick cheating. Not sure what the point of cheating would be for Nick though. Wonder why Sean would go straight to the media and not be man enough to confront Nick first. Seems vindictive. Who is this second source? Retaliation for Nick being pissed at Webb for not shelling at pistachios?
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 4:56 pm
@4:12 PM
This is Sean. I did not go to the media. I did confront Nick. So please just hop down off your high horse, and try to act like you don’t know everything.
I had zero issue with Nick whatsoever until this occurred. I have no vindictive motives. All I want is for 1. admission of the cheating, and 2. enforcement action on the part of MLE. (Mostly the latter, as Nick has had multiple opportunities to come clean but has chosen not to so).
But let me pose this question to everyone: If I had taken a plate from Nick that day, with similar video evidence, do you think the response from MLE would have been the same?
If you actually think Nick is innocent, please watch this video from 1:26:12 to 1:26:17. At 1:26:16, watch in slow-motion on a large screen. You can physically see Nick take the top plate off my pile (and leave it in front of him) before placing the rest of the pile down to his right-hand side. Kinda funny that this act occurred precisely while I was down under the table grabbing my empty water bottles, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CObVLMkN4Y
NicksLawyer said
July 10, 2024 @ 5:23 pm
Nick asking for the re-count too doesn’t prove he wanted the recount to get the new total after the plate add!? He’s innocent!
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 6:07 pm
Sean, I am glad you aren’t starstruck by the contest circuit and are standing your ground. I think your requests would already be fulfilled if this were a true sports organization, but that is not what this company is. (with much respect to all honest eaters and employees there)
Joey’s story hit the media in minutes and neither party claimed to have talked, so I believe you.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 6:41 pm
Sean- there isn’t one person who doesn’t believe that you’re telling the truth. I am amazed by your steadfast morality and cause to speak the truth and give credibility to the hard training eaters for the sport we love to remain. The multiple videos and angles show it and you speak with such strong conviction, Nick has no defense. If anyone who had worked so hard for a goal, achieved it, would never have then called MLE to lower their number just to avoid grief. NICK IS LYING TO EVERYONE AND DOESNT CARE. Even if MLE doesn’t come down on Nick, we as eaters and fans have to never forget what he did to all of us on the biggest stage in eating history. His lack of morals folllow him thru competitive eating and personally as he only cares about himself. Kudos to you, Sean, once again as an eater, fellow competitor and upcoming stud rookie.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 6:50 pm
It does look suspicious. Can the person who commented 55 times in a short amount of time can you please relax a little? Let the proper individuals investigate before you comment like this. We know you were standing right Mr Steakbelly and you may be 100 % correct. You seem very angry and we understand. Please let it be properly investigated and all will know.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:38 pm
@sean I do think it would be the same if it was you. They did it with Conti, Eric Denmark, Sonya, Webb, Hendry, the reaction is always the same.
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 7:47 pm
Excellent response Sean who is Stekbellie and is he a governing body sounds like he might be suspect to going to the media people. Ask him to answer please if you know him
Anonymous said
July 10, 2024 @ 10:43 pm
If Nick shows up at Blueberries it’s like a giant middle finger to MLE and the other eaters. He’d basically be saying “yeah, I cheated and so what, nothing is going to happen”
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 12:18 am
Notice how Nick didn’t get excited for himself after “eating enough hotdogs “ to make the 50’s club . You’d think he’d be happy as a newly wed.
Sportsbook & Gambling on Hot Dog Contest said
July 11, 2024 @ 12:28 am
Interesting point. Let’s not forget anyone could bet money on the eaters. Did Nick “allegedly” boost his numbers (not to join the 50 HDB club) but to pocket some extra gambling winnings? The NFL promoting gambling, boxing & gambling & sports + gambling in general. Gambling has ruined the sanctity of sport. Is this why Nick was so desperate to fondle & “take” one of Sean’s Plates??
EliBuysSubs said
July 11, 2024 @ 4:52 am
Maybe Nick can join some of the greatest eaters of all time like Moh and Bandana Eats and panhandle and grift. Maybe start an Onlyfans and combine his bodybuilding prowess with eating? Sinewy Chewy might be a good nickname.
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 8:19 am
Steakbellie is Eric Livingston. He used to compete over a decade ago. His eating numbers were pretty average, but I think he was well known in the PA/NJ/NY area among other eaters at the time.
https://eatfeats.com/query.php?contest_comp=equals&contest_name=&contest_city=&contest_state=&contest_country=&contest_start_date=&contest_end_date=&contest_org=type&eater_first_name=&eater_last_name=livingston&eater_city=&eater_state=&eater_country=&eater_org=org.&eater_gender=gender&result_min_place=&result_max_place=&result_min_amount=&result_max_amount=&result_min_duration=&result_max_duration=&_button=Find+Eaters
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 8:41 am
Okay i’m not the biggest fan of keyboard warriors but that was a good one with the Onlyfans comment. I’ll give that one to you. Everything else corny but keep up those and you may win a comedy show
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 9:12 am
@1228a Sportsbook & Gambling on Hot Dog Contest — No doubt that betting/gambling has become big money lately with further extensions into other sports though do the eaters get anything out of the actual bet as it seems it’s mainly for the ones placing a bet ? Just trying to understand if a total over 50 would have been anything other than a boost of confidence
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 11:19 am
If it wasn’t cheating then why did he ask for a recount after adding another eaters plate to his stack?
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 1:06 pm
819 do you think Livingston went to the media?
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 1:27 pm
My assumption is that this was done to either
(A) Join the 50 club with Webb & Miki
(B) Gambling incentive. I wonder if bookies will be shitty if they’ve paid out odds now that MLE has changed his total back to 46.75
KeyBoardWarriorAnonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 2:00 pm
Just remember everyone if you ain’t cheatin then you ain’t competin!
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 2:12 pm
Hey Livingston get a life. You are here 24 hours a day. Some comments only one minute apart. You are a sycho and now we know who has been making all the crappy comments of past eaters. Nick looks to have cheated but you want to drive this. You so far are the only one talking here. Almost every post is chastised by you. I’m from PA and we never heard of you. I just hope this don’t get too bad between Nick and Livingston. We have two stories. One of cheating and the other trying to insert himself to get his name out there. Ice work Livingston you look marvelously stupid as a mashing gun poster looking for attention to yourself
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 3:11 pm
Has anyone considered that Nick wanted to show the world that he could “eat” more hot dogs than his wife, Miki Sudo? That be whatever means, he needed to be the best hot dog eater in his own home. How interesting that the added plate managed to put him at 51.75, magically just ahead of Miki’s record-breaking 51? So that hey, maybe you won the women’s event and set a record, but I’m still the better eater.
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 4:51 pm
That bloody Livingston has tarniished the name of nick to the point. where it’s unrepairable
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
July 11, 2024 @ 5:44 pm
Livingston is the only one in this whole thread to post his own name. The rest of you anonymous pussies throw rocks and then scoot away on your scooters worried to be held accountable for your words. I said what said and OJ can verify I’ve never posted under anonymous in the last 18 years. I didn’t talk to the media, but I’m talking to your mama right now, take another lap around the block and let uncle Steakbellie finish his Business
The truth said
July 11, 2024 @ 6:34 pm
One thing about steakbellie he holds nothing back he will bring you to tears if you are dumb enough to post your real name because he is well educated in dealing with bullies After he puts you in your place you have no other choice but crawl back in the hole where you came from
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
July 11, 2024 @ 9:09 pm
1. Alright anon, I’m tired of waiting around for your mom to approve your highly anticipated comeback in middle school level English. I got stuff to do.
2. Speaking of your Mom, when I was sucking her dick I noticed her flapjack shaped titties glistened of cocoa butter. I was confused when they tasted like margarine though. Has anyone else noticed this?
C. You’re not from PA. You don’t know who Shane Gillis is and you use words like ‘no cap’ and ‘frizz’ we don’t allow that here.
5. You DO know who I am and you’re afraid of me.
I’ll log back in next July 4th to kick you around again. Try to think of a really good comeback!
Anonymous said
July 11, 2024 @ 11:48 pm
If it wasn’t cheating then why did he ask for a recount after adding another eaters plate to his stack??
If I hide I don’t have to block said
July 12, 2024 @ 6:06 am
Why hide my comments Nick? Block me if it upsets you. Hiding my comments says you are guilty.
I thought. said
July 12, 2024 @ 10:38 am
Never mind. Misread Nick’s statement. “Always recount. So we did” which is when Nick picked up Sean’s plates & recounted them for him. I thought he meant he called a judge over to recount for them which is probably how it should always be done.
Say I Do said
July 12, 2024 @ 10:38 am
Two cons can finally marry. I mean theft as a Florida resident at $1000 is a felony. Two birds of a feather.
I thought. said
July 12, 2024 @ 10:47 am
It’s still funny how the contest footage clearly shows Nick eating only 46 hot dogs & buns within the 10 minute contest, which he initially got credit for, but then after Nick recounted Sean’s plates for him, his total magically went to 51?? Im confused. Did Nick ask the judge for a recount? Or not? How did he jump from a total of 46 to 51. What or who made this happen? We need an official statement from the judge who counted & tallied ALL OF nick’s total’s. We need a statement from Sean who is waiting on more footage of the alleged incident. So far Nick seems to be saying I didn’t do this, oh wait I actually did but this is how it happened ettc. So far we just have Nicks confused side of the story. At this point who even cares, but to me this whole story/fiasco still leaves a bad taste in my mouth for some reason.
Anonymous said
July 12, 2024 @ 11:19 am
I think the only reason this isn’t getting punishment is maybe Nick or Sudo are friends or something else is up. Why is there favoritism ? What’s the bigger picture. #plategate I think something else is intertwined here.
Anonymous said
July 12, 2024 @ 12:08 pm
Nick did not recount my plates for me. That is absolute BS. He picked up my plates and said something along the lines of “I always like to try to clean-up the table after the contests, to make it a little bit easier on the workers”.
If Nick and I actually talked about “recounting” our plates, then:
1. Why the fuck would he grab my plates, twirl them (like, really?) and “recount” mine before doing so for his own pile? Oh wait, he already recounted his plates like 3 times before G. Shea announced him at 46.75.
2. Why would I let Nick touch my plates if I thought there was any possibility that a “recount” would result in a number higher or lower than 38.5?
3. Why on God’s earth would I not pay attention at all while Nick is supposedly “recounting my plates”? I’m clearly underneath the table for half the time grabbing my empty water bottles and flavor packets. Nick capitalized on this opportunity and made a pretty swift move to take my top plate while I was still under the table.
Nick will be toast when the clear video from a better angle comes out to the public. And honestly, the video that’s already out there is enough evidence to convince every eater that competed that day. It’s not up for debate anymore. For anyone asking, “what incentive did Nick have to cheat”, maybe you should be asking “What incentive would Sean have to falsely accuse Nick of cheating?”. I’m a rookie, first-timer at Nathan’s. I hate drama. Nick and I were friends before I discovered what he did, and the lies he has perpetuated since it has become public. It was all risk for me to report this, but I knew as soon as I realized what had happened, that I couldn’t just ignore it. If I thought there was even a small chance that Nick did not purposely take one of my plates, I would have consulted others to get their options before reporting it to MLE. That was not the case, and I reported the cheating shortly after finding the video evidence that made it clear what Nick did that day. Unfortunately, I was wrong t think that MLE would carry out any enforcement action or acknowledge the cheating. Instead, all we get is a boiler-plate statement that “It’s MLE’s policy to not change results after the final judging has occurred”. Really? Is that policy written somewhere? Has any eater ever been informed of this policy prior to a contest? The year is 2024–almost every major sport allows (and uses often) video reviews to make the right call. Maybe MLE should get with the times and change their “policy”. And lastly, if you (MLE) don’t change results after final judging, then why did you agree to lower Nick’s total upon his request? That is completely contradictory to your “policy”.
MLE managed to keep a top-10 circuit eater given their response to this situation, but they are also going to lose another eater. They don’t really care about that though, and the more I think about it, neither do I. “up-and-coming talent” is just a phrase that gets thrown around to make certain eaters feel special or wanted–i’m not fooled by it though
IntegrityisDeadWithMLE said
July 12, 2024 @ 2:22 pm
Well, it appears anything goes now going forward in any MLE contest. Without any accountability for the eater. So, if you ain’t cheatin you aren’t competin is the new catch phrase for MLE and their contests. Frankly, the whole thing is pathetic and again tells you what type of organization MLE is by what has happened here.
Anonymous said
July 12, 2024 @ 4:03 pm
Sean, you make a very good point about Nick’s insinuation that others are lying about him. He seems to think that everybody else is as morally deficient as he is and that his accusations of slander might somehow convince a larger audience of his innocence. But most people aren’t like he is, and most people wouldn’t falsely accuse someone else of fraud like this..The idea that almost eater in the league would falsely accuse him of cheating, either publicly or privately, because they’re jealous of him and wish to tear him down holds no water at all.
Anonymous said
July 12, 2024 @ 6:57 pm
OJ, you going to update the totals for Nick? https://eatfeats.com/query.php?_table=contests&id=52881
Anonymous said
July 12, 2024 @ 8:59 pm
And still no professional eaters are coming to defend him. You know where we stand .
Kelowna said
July 12, 2024 @ 11:26 pm
Sean , sometimes the older experienced eaters take advantage of the young eaters . This is just a little hazing . Get over it , stop being such a baby about it . And keep practicing so you’ll get better .
Anonymous said
July 13, 2024 @ 4:59 am
Fraudolas Wehry needs to take a nap
NicksBookie said
July 13, 2024 @ 7:40 am
Has anyone considered the gambling angle as to why Nick would take such a risk?
You are an idiot said
July 13, 2024 @ 7:49 am
Whoever said this is hazing is a straight imbecile. There was no hazing involved in Nick to Sean or to anyone. This is a straight act of cheating and playing the innocent/dumb card so no repercussions could be given. In no way, shape, or form was hazing or taken advantage. This was an act of selfishness to try and look better than one truly was because the ego was so low that they needed to feel better about themselves due to underperformance. Maybe the one that cheated and is playing dumb should keep practicing so they do not have to deliberately cheat
Anonymous said
July 13, 2024 @ 10:26 am
Time to move on
Anonymous said
July 13, 2024 @ 10:53 am
This guy lives on this site 24/7 get a life
Anonymous said
July 13, 2024 @ 4:26 pm
99 comments and 95 by one person. Get a life instead of living here.
Anonymous said
July 14, 2024 @ 4:57 pm
Watched it over and over. Can’t see a clear cheat yet
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 5:46 am
Watch it with your eyes open. It helps.
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 7:15 am
Anybody saying they can’t see a clear cheat is either:
1. Nick/ Miki themselves trying to do damage control and make it seem like nothing happened that day, OR
2. Too stupid to know how to watch a video in full screen on a computer and in slow motion.
Any eater worth a damn knows the truth just given the video evidence and sequence of events that took place by Nick on 7/4 after the contest and in the days that followed.
This is not a witch hunt. There’s way too much evidence that is public now, such that denying that cheating took place is just irresponsible. Nobody would accuse Nick of cheating because they are “jealous” of the attention that Miki and him receive. Top eaters just want to eat and win—they don’t really give a fuck about the cameras or interviews. It’s possible Nick made a bad mistake at that specific day and time, and that “cheating” doesn’t define who he is as a person. However, since he has denied the cheating since the allegations surfaced, and continued to lie about certain the situation/certain events that occurred, he will ALWAYS be remembered as a liar who is too ashamed to admit wrongdoing, even when there is plenty of evidence that supports the allegations.
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 11:24 am
They both deserve each other. Maybe they can teach there youngest to be like them.
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 1:43 pm
Not enough evidence sorry
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 2:02 pm
Obviously this poster of a thousand times has a vendetta against the couple. He has gone way too far. Yes there is possible cheating but your response is over the top and threatening. You have made some statements that should be investigated. You have an awful personality Steakbelly. I have heard you are a nurse. I feel sorry for any patients you care for.
Anonymous said
July 15, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
I wonder if the NY Post call was the first she had heard about this.
Just because we are here 24/7 does not mean that she is.
Still waiting said
July 15, 2024 @ 8:02 pm
Why hasn’t a single real competitive eater defended Nick? You know why.
#Millivanillifan said
July 16, 2024 @ 12:30 pm
Nick was hired to lip sync with Fergie at the Home Run game last night. He got mad she stole the show and did better.
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 1:22 pm
Nurse lol. If you are cared by him run. Maybe a new story in the works.
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 1:24 pm
Done deal. Innocent of all charges
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 1:50 pm
I agree with @7:25. It’s possible Nick made a horrible, immoral, unethical, borderline-criminal decision in that one moment, in which case his better qualities may eventually redeem him in the eyes of others. But he deserves a very strong punishment from the league, and it ought to be publicized to cause him further shame. It’s also possible that Nick realized he could cheat this way long ago and that he’s done it before, with breaks in between his cheating efforts because he didn’t want a constant request for recounts to arouse suspicion.
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 2:42 pm
There is no clear evidence. There is evidence of threatening texts from an old time awful eater from pa. That to me is more disturbing
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 2:48 pm
Sean cannot be a witness because he was doing other things and not focused on the table. Not good for a witness
Anonymous said
July 16, 2024 @ 4:16 pm
@802 there were people on Chiger’s post and some on Facebook defending him. And more don’t because they’re gutless and want to be part of the crowd. That’s why they do competitive eating
Anonymous said
July 17, 2024 @ 2:45 am
Old news move on
NotaMoron said
July 17, 2024 @ 6:55 am
These people even remoting thinking he was innocent….obviously have no critical thinking or fact-based decision skills. The FACT is the count on video reviews by several people who have posted already is what he got credited for. End of story. FACT. We then have video evidence of him apparently messing with the plates with some lame excuse that he is helping clean up the table. Coupled with the fact he wanted a recount and then on the recount he had 51…what else do you need to conclude he cheated? NOTHING.
Anonymous said
July 17, 2024 @ 11:27 am
Sean Yeager is a true competitive eating hero in my book.
Nobody has said this, but King Yamamoto was likely not amused by his first Coney experience either.
Anonymous said
July 17, 2024 @ 1:45 pm
655 evidence does not support. FACT!!!!
Anonymous said
July 18, 2024 @ 5:27 pm
I agree about Sean. Well done!
Anonymous said
July 19, 2024 @ 11:26 am
Innocent til proven. I don’t see it
Anonymous said
July 19, 2024 @ 11:28 am
145 well said. Now let’s put the person who makes all these threatening comments. GUILTY of insanity
Anonymous said
July 19, 2024 @ 4:44 pm
Has anybody made any “threatening comments”? I’m not worried about the allegations that were made–Nick is going to look very bad once the truth comes out. If he had a strong case to make for his innocence, or if he truly thought he was being “targeted”, surely he would have tried to defend himself on here. I’ve not seen a comment claiming to come from Nick yet. He knows he’s guilty, the video shows he took a plate, we’ve confirmed we went back to the judge to ask for a recount AFTER taking the plate, and he immediately requested to have his total lowered back to 46.75 after he got caught…what other evidence do you need???
Anonymous said
July 19, 2024 @ 9:12 pm
The court jesters of CE are in trouble. Nicky is getting his hand slapped and Mick is crying.
NicksLawyer said
July 20, 2024 @ 5:48 am
Well well…apparently people or persons are going and reviewing some past contests. The latest donut contest on 6/7. Allegedly, Nick cheated in the donuts contest, and someone counted (Sean?) via video review. Looks like he actually ate 56 and “ended up” with 61. For those of us with half a brain who can see he cheated at Nathan’s aren’t surprised. Do you really think this was a first time thing with the Sinewy Chewy? Get a clue people.
Anonymous said
July 20, 2024 @ 2:17 pm
HUGE LOL at the 13:30 mark in James Webb’s video of that one!!!
Anonymous said
July 20, 2024 @ 5:04 pm
@2:17pm – what the hecccckkkkkk. He reshuffles the plates on this video too!!!!!!
Anonymous said
July 20, 2024 @ 6:27 pm
Caught on video cheating twice? Should at least be banned from next years hotdog and doughnut contest. How many more videos will come out? Someone backup the jwebbie archive. Ill give a hotdog and a doughnut to the first person to find PlateGate3
Anonymous said
July 21, 2024 @ 12:49 am
I have a feeling you won’t see Nick in the next handful of contests. #Cheater
Anonymous said
July 21, 2024 @ 1:07 pm
I thought the investigation declared no foul play