Joey Chestnut faces Takeru Kobayashi in epic eating showdown

In a highly anticipated competitive-eating showdown, Joey Chestnut faced off against Takeru Kobayashi in Las Vegas, marking their first contest since 2009. Chestnut set a new world record by consuming 83 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, surpassing his previous record by seven. Kobayashi, who finished with 66 hot dogs after a deduction, indicated that this event would be his final competitive appearance. The contest was notable for its new rules, which prohibited dunking buns or wieners in liquid, a strategy that Chestnut credited for his success. The rivalry between Chestnut and Kobayashi began in 2005, with Chestnut first defeating Kobayashi in 2007. Their historic encounters included a dramatic tie in 2008, which led to an eat-off that Chestnut won. Since then, Chestnut has dominated the competitive eating scene, losing only once in the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest from 2007 to 2023. Kobayashi has not participated in the Fourth of July event since 2009 due to contractual issues with Major League Eating. This contest was significant as it was the first year since 2000 that neither competitor participated in the Nathan's contest, with Chestnut missing it for the first time since 2004 due to a sponsorship conflict. The event was streamed live on Netflix, showcasing the intense rivalry and the evolution of competitive eating. Chestnut's victory not only solidified his status as a top competitor but also marked a poignant moment in the history of competitive eating, as Kobayashi announced his retirement from the sport. The future of competitive eating remains uncertain, but Chestnut's performance suggests he is still at the peak of his abilities.