Joey Chestnut displayed his competitive eating prowess by consuming a world record 83 hot dogs during a thrilling showdown against Takeru Kobayashi on Labor Day, featured in Netflix’s “Unfinished Beef.” Kobayashi struggled to keep pace with Chestnut, who outperformed his rival in the 10-minute challenge.
This competition mirrored the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest hosted in Coney Island, New York. Viewers witnessed the action live from the Hyper X Arena in Las Vegas, where host Rob Riggle announced that 300 hot dogs were prepared for the event.
Participants were restricted from dunking or pouring water on their hot dogs and could not separate the hot dogs from their buns. Penalties were enforced for excessive crumbs and any regurgitation. While Kobayashi managed to consume 67 hot dogs, Chestnut’s impressive total of 83 surpassed his previous record of 76, set during the 2021 Nathan’s contest.
Following his victory, Chestnut expressed his appreciation for Kobayashi, stating, “I’ve been trying to hit 80 hot dogs for years. Without Kobayashi, I was never able to do it. He drives me.” The competitive eaters have had a complicated relationship, but Chestnut acknowledged that their rivalry motivates them both to improve.
Kobayashi, who spoke through an interpreter, acknowledged his efforts, saying, “I feel like I did everything I could.” Earlier this year, he announced his retirement from competitive eating in the Netflix documentary “Hack Your Health: Secrets of Your Gut,” where he disclosed that he can no longer feel hunger.
Kobayashi held the Nathan’s title from 2001 to 2006 before Chestnut claimed the championship, ultimately achieving 16 wins in 17 years. This year, Chestnut was banned from competing due to his partnership with Impossible Foods, leading to a forfeiture of the “Mustard Belt” to Patrick Bertoletti.
Looking ahead, Netflix will feature Jake Paul’s boxing match against Mike Tyson as its next live event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.