Joey Chestnut devoured a staggering 83 hot dogs to set a new world record at a thrilling Netflix special event, outshining his long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi.
In a historic face-off streamed live on Labor Day, Joey Chestnut shattered his record, securing victory in a direct competition with Takeru Kobayashi for the first time in 15 years, UPI reported.
The event titled "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef" captivated viewers as it aired at 3 p.m. EDT on September 3rd. Audiences worldwide watched as two legendary competitive eaters battled it out, eating as many hot dogs as possible within a 10-minute time frame.
Fans highly anticipated the competition between Chestnut and Kobayashi, as it marked their first direct contest since their fierce rivalries at the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contests in the early 2000s. Joey Chestnut, from the United States, and Takeru Kobayashi, from Japan, have been iconic figures in competitive eating, each dominating the sport during different eras.
Kobayashi, aged 46, was previously unbeaten at Nathan's from 2002 to 2007, a fact that had built his legend in competitive eating circles. Meanwhile, Joey Chestnut, aged 40, had been the reigning champion almost every year since 2008, except for one loss over 17 years.
This year's match-up on Netflix added a fresh chapter to their storied rivalry. Chestnut managed to consume 83 hot dogs, surpassing not only Kobayashi's 67 but also breaking his previous world record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021.
The event provided a platform for both competitors to showcase their enduring skills and stamina in competitive eating. Kobayashi's performance, while not enough to win, still displayed his impressive ability to compete at a high level despite his age.
Unlike typical contests that take place in public venues with live audiences, this Netflix event was streamed online, allowing for a global audience to tune in. This digital approach not only widened the viewership but also brought a new level of accessibility to the sport of competitive eating.
In contrast to the annual July 4 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, the Netflix special event offered a different vibe. People noted Joey Chestnut's recent absence from the July event, as he did not compete due to sponsorship conflicts with Impossible Foods. Patrick Bertoletti won that contest, eating 58 hot dogs.
The implications of this event extend beyond just numbers. The staging of this head-to-head match-up after many years has revitalized interest in the sport, potentially paving the way for more such events.
Moreover, this contest could signify a shift in how these competitions are viewed and consumed by the public. The success of the Netflix format might encourage organizers to explore further opportunities for online streaming, thus expanding the sport's reach.
Both competitors, with their dedicated fans and long histories of competition, attracted a large number of viewers. Their legendary status and the build-up to the event contributed to making it a special occasion in the world of competitive eating.
The narrative of Joey Chestnut vs. Takeru Kobayashi is more than a tale of numbers; It's about perseverance, rivalry, and the evolution of a quirky sport into a globally watched spectacle. Each athlete has pushed the other to greater heights over the years, contributing significantly to the profile of competitive eating.
While Chestnut came out on top this time, both competitors have etched their names in the annals of their sport. As competitive eating evolves, people will remember the contributions and rivalries like those of Chestnut and Kobayashi for reshaping its landscape.
As the world of competitive eating grows, new technologies and formats will further change how these events are held and how they captivate audiences worldwide.
