In an astonishing display of competitive eating, Joey Chestnut, a hotdog-eating champion, smashed his own record by devouring 83 hotdogs in just 10 minutes. The event took place in Las Vegas, where Chestnut faced off against his long-time rival, Takeru Kobayashi, in a hotdog-eating duel that captivated audiences worldwide. Chestnut’s previous record stood at 76 hotdogs, making this new achievement a significant milestone in his career.
By Aubree Ross
Chestnut’s Unstoppable Drive
Joey Chestnut, often referred to as “The Chestnut” (his last name translating to “chestnut” in German), has consistently dominated the world of competitive eating. His latest feat took place at a special event, “Unfinished Beef,” which was live-streamed by Netflix. Competing against Kobayashi, Chestnut consumed 83 hotdogs, leaving his rival far behind with 67. The competition, which offered a $100,000 prize, showcased Chestnut’s relentless pursuit of breaking barriers.
A Rivalry Reignited After 15 Years
The hotdog showdown between Chestnut and Kobayashi marked the first time the two faced each other in 15 years. Kobayashi, weighing 156 pounds, has long been known as a pioneer in the world of competitive eating, having won the Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest six times in the early 2000s. Despite his best efforts, Kobayashi could not keep up with Chestnut’s record-shattering pace, a performance reminiscent of their 2009 battle where Chestnut ate 68 hotdogs to Kobayashi’s 64.
The Legacy of Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest
Hotdog eating contests have deep roots in American culture, particularly with the iconic Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest held annually on July 4th. Kobayashi’s early victories helped elevate the sport’s popularity, but Chestnut quickly became its most prominent figure after his first win in 2007. Over the years, Chestnut has won the contest 16 times, cementing his place as a legend in competitive eating. Despite his dominance, his journey has not been without setbacks, including a brief exclusion from Nathan’s due to a sponsorship deal.
Competitive Eating’s Challenges
Despite Chestnut’s success, the sport of competitive eating comes with its challenges. The physical demands of consuming massive quantities of food in a short amount of time require extensive preparation and endurance. Chestnut, weighing 220 pounds, continuously pushes his limits, while his competitors, including Kobayashi, must also deal with the physical toll. Chestnut’s 2023 victory in Las Vegas underscores his dedication, as he finally surpassed the elusive 80-hotdog mark—a goal he had pursued for years.
Joey Chestnut’s incredible performance in Las Vegas earned him a world record and reaffirmed his status as the greatest competitive eater of all time. His rivalry with Kobayashi, the prize money, and the sheer spectacle of the event make this a memorable moment in the history of competitive eating.
Based on content from www.bild.de and additional research.