Bookmakers Designate Joey Chestnut as Favorite for Netflix Competition Versus Kobayashi
Just moments following Joey Chestnut's unexpected disqualification from the 2024 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship, Netflix unveiled a Labor Day spectacular involving the competitive eating icon and longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi.
This Labor Day, many Americans are anticipated to BBQ some burgers and hot dogs. Netflix is banking that millions will also watch "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," a live event in which the two renowned competitive eaters will face off head-to-head. Little information has been disclosed about the Monday, September 2nd feast-off showcase.
In the typical Nathan's contest, competitors are challenged to down as many hot dogs and buns as they can within 10 minutes.
Earlier this week, Nathan's and Major League Eating, the group that oversees the Independence Day event, informed Chestnut he was banned from joining in July because of a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which produces and markets plant-based hot dogs.
Chestnut the Favorite
Kobayashi, a 46-year-old Japanese-born man standing at 5'8" and with a thin frame, is respected for introducing competitive eating as a unique sport. He had captivated millions as he triumphed in the July 4th hot dog eating contest six times between 2001 and 2006.
Although he repelled the eager Chestnut in 2005 and 2006, Chestnut dethroned Kobayashi as the top gun in the field in 2007. Chestnut then outlasted Kobayashi in 2008 and 2009, prompting Kobayashi's departure.
Born in Kentucky and a San Jose State University grad, Chestnut, 40, developed a taste for attempting to down as many dishes as possible rapidly.
Since 2007, Chestnut has been the most successful competitive eater out there, triumphing in each Nathan's event except 2015, when Matthew Stonie edged him out by two extra hot dogs and buns.
ODDS GIVE CHESTNUT THE EDGE: Offshore sportsbooks opened Chestnut at -1,000 while Kobayashi was listed at +550. A $100 bet on those odds would return $10 for Chestnut and $550 for Kobayashi.
No licensed American sportsbook is currently accepting bets for Chestnut vs. Kobayashi, as further details and a governing body, such as MLE, are required to sanction the event.
Chestnut Pays Tribute
Praising Kobayashi for positioning competitive eating in the spotlight at least during the July 4 celebrations, Chestnut remarked after the Netflix eating spectacle was revealed, "Throughout my career in competitive eating, Kobayashi has been my fiercest foe. Battling against him pushed me to become so much better. I'm aware that fans have longed for another installment of our rivalry, and I can't wait for our monster showdown live on Netflix!"
While he has not competed in Nathan's for several years, Kobayashi notes he is not officially retired. He plans to retire after he topples Chestnut one final time.
"Retiring for me will only occur once I defeat him one last time," Kobayashi insisted. "This rivalry has been simmering for a long time. Facing off against Joey on Netflix means fans around the globe can see me put him away.".
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