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Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi, the most celebrated names in competitive eating, are gearing up to go head-to-head for the first time in over a decade.
These giants of the eating world, with a staggering 22 Mustard Belts from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest between them, are slated to compete in a one-on-one hot dog eating showdown on September 2. The event will mark their first joint appearance since 2009 and it will be available for fans worldwide to stream on Netflix.
The venue for this much-anticipated event has not yet been disclosed.
Kobayashi, who recently announced he was stepping back from the competitive eating scene due to health issues, had a winning streak at the Nathan’s contest every Fourth of July from 2001 to 2006. During his reign, he upped his record from 50 to 63 hot dogs and buns, until Chestnut claimed victory in 2007 with 66.
Kobayashi, expressing his determination, mentioned, “I only consider retiring after I defeat him one more time. Our rivalry has been intense for years. Being able to compete against Joey for a live audience on Netflix is a great opportunity for fans globally to see me triumph.”
Chestnut, who has secured first place at the Nathan’s event 16 times, including the last eight years, and set a record with 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, will sit out this year’s Nathan’s contest due to a contract clause limiting his participation to events sponsored by a specific hot dog brand.
The two were neck and neck in the 2008 contest, each consuming 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but Chestnut emerged victorious in a tiebreaker.
Chestnut, who holds 55 world eating records, commented on the rivalry: “Kobayashi has always been my most formidable opponent. Competing against him made me significantly improve.
We know fans have been eager for another face-off, and I’m thrilled for our epic match to be livestreamed on Netflix. It’s time we delivered what the people have been asking for!”