On September 3rd, American competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut achieved a remarkable feat by consuming 83 hot dogs, setting a new world record. This impressive performance occurred during Netflix’s Labor Day special, “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” which aired live at 3 p.m. EDT.
Chestnut’s extraordinary feat was not just a victory over the renowned Japanese competitor Takeru Kobayashi, who managed 67 hot dogs during the event, but also a personal triumph. The 40-year-old Chestnut surpassed his previous world record of 76 hot dogs, set in 2021.
A Historic Showdown of Joey Chestnut
The competition marked a significant event in the competitive eating world, as it was the first time Chestnut and Kobayashi faced off in 15 years. Both athletes are legends in the sport, with Chestnut, who has been dominating since 2008, and Kobayashi, the reigning Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion from 2002 to 2007.
Despite Chestnut’s previous victories, including his impressive performances at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held annually at Coney Island, he was unable to participate this year due to a sponsorship conflict with Impossible Foods, a competitor to the wiener brand used in the contest.
The 2024 Nathan’s Contest and the Mustard Belt
This year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest saw Patrick Bertoletti claim the Mustard Belt with 58 hot dogs, highlighting the ongoing excitement and competitiveness in the world of competitive eating.
Joey Chestnut’s new record not only underscores his dominance in the field but also reignites the excitement for future contests and rematches, reaffirming his place as a leading figure in competitive eating.
