Pat Bertoletti Seeks Repeat At Atlanta Krystal Square Off V Qualifier

Pat Bertoletti has yet to break the 100 Krystals mark but will have a chance to do so this Saturday in Atlanta.

Pat Bertoletti, the number two ranked eater in the world, will lead a stacked roster of competitive eating pros at the Atlanta Krystal Square Off Qualifier this Saturday, Sept. 6.

The 23-year-old eating phenom, who won last year’s Atlanta event with an astounding 85 Krystals in eight minutes, will be joined by the likes of Tim “Gravy” Brown, Allen Goldstein, Eric “Steakbellie” Livingston and many more as they battle for a seat at the World Championship in Chattanooga on Sept. 28.

While the 2007 Atlanta Qualifier took place outside under extreme conditions of heat and humidity, this year’s contest will be held in the cool, climate-controlled environs of Lenox Square Mall. Action will get underway at 2:00 p.m. with registration for the 5 amateur on-the-spot slots starting at 1:00 p.m.

Known as Deep Dish, the Chicago-based Bertoletti set the Atlanta record last year with his 85 Krystals, the second best number ever posted in qualifier history. Making his Krystal debut in Nashville in 2005, where he finished second to Badlands Booker with 28 Krystals, Bertoletti has made huge improvements over the past couple years, achieving his personal best of 94 Krystals at the 2007 championship last October.

As a preview to this Saturday’s contest, three Atlanta-based eaters who are set to compete this Saturday–Super Paul Barlow, Steve Martin and Ben Griffith–will put on an eating demonstration live on FOX 5 Good Day Atlanta tomorrow morning.

Sign up for live updates during this year’s Krystal Square Off via Twitter here.