In a highly anticipated showdown, Joey Chestnut once again proved his dominance in the world of competitive eating by setting a new world record. In an intense contest, Chestnut downed an incredible 80 hot dogs, surpassing his previous records, and claimed victory over his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi. The event, streamed live on Netflix, marked the first time in 15 years that the two eating legends have gone head-to-head, with fans from around the globe tuning in to witness the spectacle.
For Chestnut, this achievement was more than just another victory—it was a personal milestone that had eluded him for years. “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,” Chestnut remarked following the event. As the reigning 16-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, Chestnut has faced many challengers, but none have tested him quite like Kobayashi. The rivalry between the two has spanned over a decade, pushing both competitors to their limits.
A Rivalry Rekindled After 15 Years
The Netflix hot dog eating competition brought together two icons who hadn’t faced each other since their famous battles in the late 2000s. In 2007, Chestnut dethroned Kobayashi by consuming 66 hot dogs and buns, ending the Japanese star’s six-year reign as champion.
Despite Kobayashi’s efforts in 2008 and 2009, Chestnut retained the prestigious Mustard Belt, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest eaters in the world. However, a contractual dispute with Major League Eating prevented Kobayashi from competing at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest after 2009, leaving the rivalry in limbo.
This latest competition provided both Chestnut and Kobayashi the opportunity to settle unfinished business, and the stakes were high. Kobayashi, now 45, fought valiantly in the contest, but in the end, Chestnut emerged victorious. “I feel like I did everything I could,” Kobayashi said through an interpreter after the event, demonstrating the level of respect between the two competitors despite their long-standing feud.
Record-Breaking Performance and Prizes
Chestnut’s victory earned him more than just a record—he also took home a $100,000 prize, a unique hot dog-shaped trophy, and a championship title belt designed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The victory cements his status as a legend in the sport, with his record-breaking 80 hot dogs marking a new era in competitive eating. Netflix reported that a total of 2,400 hot dogs were cooked in preparation for the month-long event, with 300 served during the main showdown.
Chestnut’s Journey and the Challenges of Sponsorships
While Chestnut continues to dominate in competitive eating, his career has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, the 40-year-old was banned from participating in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based food company.
This sponsorship put him at odds with Nathan’s, which exclusively serves traditional meat hot dogs, forcing Chestnut to miss the competition for the first time in over a decade. Despite this setback, Chestnut has found new platforms, like the Netflix event, to showcase his abilities and break new records.
As Chestnut basks in the glory of his latest accomplishment, fans are left wondering what comes next for the competitive eating champion. His rivalry with Kobayashi may have been settled for now, but the drive to continuously push his limits is stronger than ever. “We’ve pushed each other to be our best,” Chestnut said, acknowledging the role Kobayashi has played in his journey. It remains to be seen whether the two rivals will face off again, but for now, Joey Chestnut stands alone as the undisputed king of hot dog eating, with a new world record to his name.
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