Patrick “Deepdish” Bertoletti is a competitive eater, winner of the Chicken Wing Chowdown and Turkey Bowl, among other competitions, and holder of a milk consumption record (most gallons in an hour).
I asked “Deepdish” about his career, his thoughts about eating icon Joey Chestnut, and what he hopes to achieve going forward.
McElwain: Where did the name “Deepdish” come from?
Bertoletti: Deepdish comes from becoming an eater and needing a nickname. It is required to have one in professional eating. So, I just went for the name of the pizza Chicago is famous for.
McElwain: Who are your influences, athletic or food-related?
Bertoletti: My inspirations in eating are Joey Chestnut and Kobayashi. I came up right around when Joey did, and he taught me the most. I always aspired to be half as good as Kobayashi as well.
McElwain: Where do you see competitive eating going in the next thirty years?
Bertoletti: I think eating will forever be evolving. I am not sure what will happen next, but it seems like everything is moving online these days. Actual eating contests seem to be less and less common these days.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in the next thirty years?
Bertoletti: I am not one to make lots of life plans. I hope I will be healthy in the next 30 years and my heartburn won’t worsen. That is the only ailment I have gotten from all the years of eating.
McElwain: Describe competitive eating in one word.
Bertoletti: Excess.
McElwain: In many of your competitions, most notably the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championships, you have competed against the champion, Joey Chestnut. What is he like as a person?
Bertoletti: Joey is one of the greatest friends I have. He is very helpful in training tips, is humble, and is by far the best eater of all time.
McElwain: What are your career goals?
Bertoletti: My only regret is not winning the Annual Nathan’s Eating Contest. But if and when Joey retires, I would love to return and win. But that’s a long-shot dream.
McElwain: Finally, do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into competitive eating?
Bertoletti: For aspiring eaters, research eating challenges online, such as The Giant Burge, and work on improving your stomach capacity and getting over that full feeling. Be safe by not taking it too seriously at first, and look for local eating contests and Major League Eating events if they come to your town.
