LOS ANGELES. In response to Joey Chestnut’s absence from this year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest due to a deal with a rival brand, Netflix has swiftly announced a new showdown featuring Chestnut and his long-time rival, Takeru Kobayashi.
Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will go head-to-head with Kobayashi in a live Netflix special titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef” on Sept. 2, as announced by the streaming giant on Wednesday.
The competition comes after Major League Eating (MLE), which oversees the Nathan’s contest, cited an exclusivity issue with Chestnut’s new brand deal. George Shea, an MLE event organizer, commented, “He made the choice,” emphasizing that it was Chestnut’s decision to step back from the competition he’s dominated since 2005.
However, Chestnut refuted this claim on the social platform X, asserting that Nathan’s and MLE had made the decision, expressing disappointment at depriving fans of the traditional holiday joy.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City joined the conversation via X, urging Nathan’s and MLE to resolve the issue, stating, “It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year’s Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut.”
In Netflix’s announcement, Chestnut expressed eagerness for the competition, stating, “Through all my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival.”
Kobayashi, rumored to be retired, declared his intent to take down Chestnut once more, saying, “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time.”
The upcoming event marks Netflix’s latest foray into live TV and sports programming, showcasing its commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings.
Stay tuned for the live showdown between Chestnut and Kobayashi, promising to be a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide!
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
