Joey Chestnut demolished his world hot dog eating record Monday, beating longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a showdown billed as “unfinished beef” between the two biggest global stars in professional competitive eating.
Three years ago, Chestnut downed a then-world record 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been trying to hit 80 hot dogs for years and without Kobayashi I was never able to do it. He drives me,” the 16-time Nathan’s Hot Dog champion said after the event.
“We were not always nice to each other. … We’ve pushed each other to be our best.”
This was the first time the two nemeses have faced off in 15 years.
“I feel like I did everything I could,” Kobayashi from Japan said via his interpreter.
According to the Netflix streaming service, 2,400 hot dogs were cooked in the last month for the contest – 300 prepared for Monday’s main event.
The 40-year-old Chestnut was banned from competing at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his sponsorship deal with rival plant-based food company Impossible Foods.
Chestnut's Record-Breaking Performance
Chestnut's victory was a testament to his incredible eating prowess and the rivalry that has defined his career. His ability to consume such a massive quantity of hot dogs in a short time is a feat of human endurance and determination.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Chestnut's career. His previous record was set in 2021, when he consumed 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Chestnut's latest record-breaking performance is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work.
A Moment of History
The 2024 Netflix hot dog eating contest was a historic event that brought together two of the world's most renowned competitive eaters. Chestnut and Kobayashi have been rivals for years, with their fierce competition pushing them to new heights.
The event itself was a spectacle, with the entire world watching as Chestnut and Kobayashi battled for the title of world champion. The intensity of their rivalry was palpable, and it was clear that both men were determined to emerge victorious.
A Look Back at the Rivalry
Chestnut and Kobayashi's rivalry dates back to 2007, when Chestnut dethroned Kobayashi as the champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. The two have been locked in a fierce battle ever since, pushing each other to new heights and captivating audiences around the world.
Kobayashi's Influence on Chestnut
Chestnut has credited Kobayashi with playing a crucial role in his success. He has said that Kobayashi's relentless pursuit of excellence drove him to work harder and push himself to his limits.
“He drives me,” Chestnut said. “We were not always nice to each other, but we’ve pushed each other to be our best.”
The Future of the Rivalry
The 2024 Netflix hot dog eating contest was a reminder of the enduring rivalry between Chestnut and Kobayashi. Their history is one of mutual respect and fierce competition, and it is a rivalry that will likely continue for years to come.
While the two have battled it out in various competitions over the years, the most significant chapter of their rivalry was the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut's triumph over Kobayashi in 2007 marked a turning point in their rivalry. Kobayashi's reign as the champion was over, and Chestnut was poised to dominate the competition.
Kobayashi's subsequent attempts to regain the title in 2008 and 2009 were unsuccessful, and he was eventually barred from competing at Coney Island due to a contractual dispute. This marked a significant turning point in the rivalry, but it did not diminish the intensity of their competition.
A Legacy of Fierce Competition
Chestnut and Kobayashi are two of the most recognizable names in professional competitive eating. Their rivalry has captivated audiences around the world, and their contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Their rivalry has transcended the boundaries of competitive eating and has become a cultural phenomenon. Chestnut and Kobayashi are living legends, and their rivalry will continue to be a source of fascination and inspiration for generations to come.
A Battle for the Ages
The 2024 Netflix hot dog eating contest was not just a competition, but a cultural event that brought the world together. The rivalry between Chestnut and Kobayashi is one for the ages, and their battle for the title of world champion is a story that will be told for years to come.
Conclusion: A Feast for the Ages
Joey Chestnut's record-breaking performance at the 2024 Netflix hot dog eating contest is a testament to his incredible eating prowess. His victory over Takeru Kobayashi, his longtime rival, was a spectacle that captivated audiences around the world.
This event was a celebration of competitive eating and a reminder of the enduring rivalry between Chestnut and Kobayashi. Their fierce competition has pushed them both to new heights and has captivated audiences for years. The future of their rivalry is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Their story is one for the ages.
