Competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut has once again proven his dominance in the field. In a highly anticipated event, he devoured 83 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, setting a new world record and surpassing his previous best of 76, achieved in 2021. This thrilling showdown took place during a live-streamed Netflix event titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” marking the first time in 15 years that Chestnut faced off against his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi.
Earlier this summer, Chestnut made headlines when he was suspended from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest because of an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, known for plant-based meat products. Despite this setback, Chestnut quickly returned to competitive eating, having previously won a July 4th contest at Fort Bliss Army base in Texas, where he consumed 57 hot dogs in five minutes.
The rematch between Chestnut and Kobayashi was significant, as it brought together two of the sport’s biggest names. Kobayashi, who became famous in the early 2000s, won the Nathan’s contest six consecutive times before Chestnut took over the title. Although Kobayashi stepped away from Major League Eating due to a contract dispute in 2010, he continued to set records in other competitions.
During Monday’s contest, Chestnut’s technique was adjusted as competitors were prohibited from dunking the hot dogs in water, which is a key part of his usual method. Nevertheless, he adjusted quickly and maintained a lead throughout the competition. At the halfway point, he was ahead 51 to 44, ultimately finishing with a remarkable 83 compared to Kobayashi’s 66, which surpassed his previous best of 64.5.
Following the event, Kobayashi announced his retirement from competitive eating, stating that he had given everything for this last competition. In a post-match interview, Chestnut expressed his belief that a rematch could occur, especially since Kobayashi now holds a personal record.
The event, hosted by actor Rob Riggle and former WWE star Nikki Garcia, was a grand affair in Las Vegas, featuring several other competitions and entertainment elements, including a performance from a pep band. Chestnut received accolades for his victory, which included a golden hot dog statuette, a $100,000 prize, and a championship belt presented by wrestler Rey Mysterio. In wrapping up the monumental event, Chestnut acknowledged the role of Kobayashi in pushing him to excel in his competitive eating career.