For all of you who don’t already know, Patrick Bertoletti is a world famous competitive food eater from Chicago who currently holds dozens and dozens of world records for the sport. It isn’t easy to do what he does, but today we are going to dive into some interesting Q&A’s with the man himself!
First off, what made you want to start competitive eating in the first place and what do you like so much about it?
I grew up an over eater loving food, flavor, salt, and gorging myself. It was a logical jump to competitive eating because it was an excuse to binge eat and get paid for it
What are your goals as far as this year is concerned?
My eating goals are to win wing bowl in Philadelphia
I am sure that you know a lot about the technical and strategic aspects of competitive eating, but what is the most recent thing that you have learned regarding your sport?
That a large percentage of it is based on your mental capacity and strength. And that outside sources of work, stress, and mood can effect your performance.
What is the eating event that you hate the most, the one that you enjoy the most and explain why.
My least favorite event was the oyster competition in New Orleans because the texture grosses me out. But I always went because the sponsor, acme oyster house is the best and it was an excuse to party in New Orleans. My favorite event is probably the wing bowl in Philadelphia because of the atmosphere, crazy amount of people and insane party atmosphere
What are 5 extremely important competitive eating tips that you can give somebody who just started competing?
Start small and enter local eating events at bars or restaurants
Practice by eating large amounts of healthy food like watermelon or salad
Exercise as often as possible
Drink lots of fluids throughout the day
Research professional events on the internet when you think that you are ready to move up
Take me through a quick and brief day of your training, how do you get ready for your next competition. (Ex: Milk or Eggs)
The day before an event i try to eat only simple cards so that my stomach is empty for the competition. Ice cream and dairy is good as it coats your stomach. I will drink a few gallons of water throughout the day before and morning of the competition
Do you do any direct training for your jaw? If you do then explain how you train it.
i don’t but I heard people chew lots of gum or eat cold tootsie rolls
What are the 3 most unrated factors when it comes to competitive eating that most people don’t seem to look at?
Natural capacity to inhale the food/actual speed of consumption
Desire to push yourself and train
Stomach capacity
Everyday our site receives e-mails from skinny teens who want to put on some size. It will usually go something like: “Hi my name is Robert and I weigh 135lb, but I want to put on a good 20-30lb fast for football and I don’t care if most of it is fat, what do I do?”. What would be your advice for people like this as far as food choices, meal frequency and stuff of that nature are concerned?
I’m not too well versed on nutrition when it comes to weightlifting etc, I would just say to eat more and try to put the weight on safety and smart. To bulk up for the army my grandfather would eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches. So maybe try that?
What are some easy tips for naturally skinny guys to sneak more calories into their meals (ex: butter, olive oil…etc)?
Probably go heavy on the olive oil and red meats
Do you personally have a fast metabolism or is it on the slower side?
I have a slow-medium metabolism. I have been watching my weight since high school
What motivates you to do what you do?
I found out early on in life that my talents in life were limited to food. I am a classically trained chef and a professional eater. I’ve put all my eggs in the culinary basket so to speak.
What goes through your mind when you are eating all of this food or chugging all of these liquids?
My mind goes blank, if you are thinking, tasting, or are aware of any element of the process of consumption you are not 100 % focused
What is the competitive eating accomplishment that you are currently the most proud of and the one that still shocks you even until this day?
Probably eating 275 pickled jalapenos in 8 minutes or 21 lbs of grits in 10 min
Did you ever choke from eating or drinking too fast or is that something that only happens to amateurs?
I haven’t but it can be dangerous for amateurs
Whats your take on people saying that competitive eating is not a sport? Also where do you see the competitive eating field in the next few years, do you ever think that it will be more mainstream?
I don’t think it will ever be more mainstream in fact I think it is sizzling out. The whole gluttony thing strikes a chord with most people. I think its a sport as much as darts or nascar is a sport. The new horizon is online, youtube, and viral content.
Whats your take on certain studies on the net saying that after the 15-20 minute mark your brain will start to process that you are getting full? Is this a myth or is there actually some merit to this statement? Also what is the longest that you ate for without stopping?
I would agree with that. the more time you take the more time your brain thinks about it and that can effect your overall food capacity. My longest event was in the Czech Republic where I ate 233 plum dumplings in an hour.
What are your top 3 metal and top 3 favorite rap songs?
My favorite band is dillinger four and the dictators
What are your hobbies outside of eating?
I am a life long student of food/cooking so I am always reading new books, trying new restuarants, or binge watching tv
Thanks a lot for your time, information and advice!