Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of competitive eating, has once again made headlines by shattering his own world record. In a highly anticipated match on Monday, Chestnut consumed an impressive 83 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, surpassing his previous record of 76 set in 2021.
Earlier this summer, Chestnut faced a ban from the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods, a company known for its plant-based meat products, including soy protein hot dogs. This unexpected development marked a significant change for Chestnut, who has dominated the Coney Island contest since 2007, winning it 16 times.
Following the ban, Chestnut quickly found a new platform. He hosted an alternate hot dog contest at Fort Bliss Army base in Texas on July 4th, where he devoured 57 hot dogs, outpacing a team of four soldiers who managed 49 collectively.
The real excitement came on Monday when Chestnut faced Takeru Kobayashi for the first time in 15 years during a live-streamed Netflix event dubbed “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef.” This rematch between the two iconic eaters was highly anticipated, as Kobayashi had previously been a formidable rival, winning the Nathan’s contest six times during his career.
Kobayashi, who gained fame in Japan before transitioning to the U.S. eating circuit, initially dominated the competition, only to be surpassed by Chestnut in their later matchups. Their rivalry has defined competitive eating, with Chestnut achieving remarkable success since his first win against Kobayashi.
After a lengthy absence from head-to-head competition, Kobayashi announced his retirement earlier this year but expressed a desire to defeat Chestnut one last time. Chestnut, motivated by the challenge, confidently stated that he wanted to prove he was the best in the field.
Ultimately, Chestnut’s technique adjustment paid off as he easily surpassed Kobayashi, who finished with 66 hot dogs. Following his victory, Chestnut received accolades and a $100,000 prize, along with a shiny WWE championship belt presented by wrestler Rey Mysterio.
In a show of sportsmanship, Chestnut acknowledged Kobayashi’s impact on his career and expressed gratitude for the competitive spirit between them. As Chestnut celebrated his monumental achievement, he hinted there may be more contests to come, leaving fans eager for future matchups.