Joey Chestnut Defeats Kobayashi in Las Vegas Hot Dog Eating Contest

Joey Chestnut and his longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi faced off in an epic hot dog eating contest for the first time in 15 years, with Chestnut emerging victorious in a comprehensive win.

The showdown took place on Monday during ‘Unfinished Beef,’ a Netflix special broadcast live from Las Vegas. The two contestants passionately devoured hot dogs and buns in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Chestnut dominated the contest from start to finish. When the 10-minute timer buzzed, Chestnut had consumed an impressive 83 hot dogs, while Kobayashi managed 66.

This achievement set a new world record for Chestnut, earning him not just a hot dog-shaped trophy and a wrestling belt, but also bragging rights over Kobayashi.

The showdown was a long-anticipated rematch as the last time Chestnut and Kobayashi faced each other was back in 2009 at the famous Nathan’s competition in Coney Island, where Chestnut had defended his mustard belt.

The event was hosted by Rob Riggle and Nikki Bella, marking Bella’s first public appearance since her husband, “Dancing With the Stars” pro Artem Chigvintsev, was arrested on Thursday for domestic violence.

Bella received a wave of support from the crowd. She wasn’t seen wearing her wedding ring and maintained her professionalism despite the ongoing incident.

Counter to normal practice, Kobayashi’s final total was reduced from 67 to 66 hot dogs after deductions for scraps and crumbs, widening Chestnut’s margin of victory.

This contest had a twist with a rule forbidding the dunking of hot dogs in water, requiring Chestnut to adapt his technique for the event.

After downing 83 hot dogs and buns, it’s safe to say that Chestnut likely won’t be visiting a Vegas buffet anytime soon. 😆