Netflix binge-watching is about to take on a whole new meaning.
The streaming giant announced a new live competition between iconic hot dog-eating champs Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi that will take place on Labor Day.
The event, titled Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, will ultimately determine the top dog of hot dog-eating competitions.
The announcement comes just one day after Chestnut was banned from this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, which airs each year on ESPN, after he signed a deal with vegan hot dog makers Impossible Foods. Chestnut has become a household name due to his dominance in the yearly Coney Island Fourth of July competition, winning 16 of the last 17 years. He currently holds the world record after holding down 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
But if you think Chestnut’s got this in the bag, think again. Kobayashi is a legend in the competitive hot dog-eating world. He appeared on the international scene in 2001, when he doubled the standing world record at the contest and introduced everyone to his “Solomon technique,” which involves him making the hot dog buns extremely wet (and gross) so they’re easier to swallow. He was the reigning champ until Chestnut stepped on the scene in 2007. The last time Chestnut and Kobayashi faced off was in 2009, when Chestnut took home the golden hot dog.
Last month, Kobayashi announced his retirement due to health concerns, but it looks like he’s ignoring medical advice to give the world one last gift.
“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” said Kobayashi. “This rivalry has been brewing for a long time. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.”
