Seven Questions With Patrick Bertoletti

Patrick Bertoletti (center) says it's time for Joey Chestnut (right) to be "taken down a few pegs."

We caught up with Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti just before he makes his trip to Chattanooga for the first qualifier of the Krystal Square Off VI World Hamburger Eating Championship.

Here’s what the mohawked maverick of mastication had to say about the new rules, his training and who he thinks will have an advantage this year and who will suffer.

How have you been training for the Chattanooga Qualifier?

I really haven’t done any preparation for this contest.  I find that I get too excited too early, and I use up all my reserves, peaking too soon.  I still hope to put up a big number.

Are you glad you get to go first? Is it good or bad from a strategic  level? Or does it only matter that you win and get a seat at the championship?

I don’t take qualifiers lightly.  I have never done just enough to win; it’s perfect training for the finals.  It’s not great to go first because it gives people a number to shoot for.  It’s a lot easier to focus when there is a number to beat.  Hopefully I can put up a high enough number that will set me near the center.

What are your expectations/predictions for the kick off Qualifier? Do you have any goals set for this Saturday?

I have never eaten Krystals dry so I really have no idea what the numbers will be.  I am really excited about the challenge.

What eater(s) not in the top 5 last year do you think the new rule and Big Angus Burger points favors that could help them crack the top 5 this year?

I suspect that it will greatly benefit Hall Hunt, Arturo Rios, if he competes, Tim “Gravy” Brown, Badlands Booker and Erik Denmark.  I suspect Juliet Lee and Sonya Thomas will suffer with the rule change.

So…what’s your strategy? Big Angus Burgers first then Krystals or save the big ones for the end?

I don’t know which way to play it yet.  Stuffing 5 krystals at the end is neary impossible but I think an Angus is more manageable for the last minute stuff.  I haven’t really thought it through.

With dunking not allowed will you use a different liquid during the competition than in past competitions? How comfortable are you with  the no dunking format?

The no dunking rule may actually favor me. I have a pretty good track record with non dunking/hard to eat foods, corned beef sandwiches, gyros, etc.  I will still use my mysterious warm red liquid as I have developed an affinity for it while eating Krystals.  Wylers light fruit punch and pink lemonade with Krystals to me is what pizza and beer is to others.

Joey Chestnut’s been unbeatable at both the Krystal Square Off and Nathan’s the past two years. What do you think are your chances of beating him this year?

I always go in thinking I have a chance.  I don’t see him continuing this streak forever. It will come to an end at some point, and this year could be it.  He is tough to beat but that doesn’t mean he is perfect.  He may think he is unbeatable and a Krystal/Nathans god but when you are on a perch it’s easy to overlook the competition.  He needs to be taken down a few pegs.  I am exited to see what Tim Janus, Humble Bob and Kobayashi do this year.  The margin of victory will certainly be lowered.