Joey Chestnut vs Kobayashi: Who Really Won?

Yesterday afternoon, 27 year old engineering student Joey Chestnutscarfed down 62 hot dogs to win his official fifth consecutive Fourth of July Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.

Meanwhile, in a unofficial rooftop contest of his own, Takeru Kobayashi, a six-time winner of the coveted “Mustard Belt” himself, scarfed down a world-record (if recognized) 69 hot dogs in the same period of time, leaving us to ponder who the real “winner” is.

Kobayashi, who was ineligible to compete in this year’s official Nathan’s contest on account that he wouldn’t sign an exclusive MLE (Major League Eating) contract, pumped his fist in triumph following his personal victory in front of the rooftop crowd of 500 hot dog eating aficionados.

“I’m so happy to break the record in front of everyone,” he exclaimed.

Chestnut, when informed of Kobayashi’s cross-town simulcast event and possible record, told ESPN the following:

“It wasn’t a competition. It was him just eating. I’ve done 71 in practice by myself. It’s his choice not to be here. He could have signed the same contract he signed three years (ago). It’s sad that he thinks he’s Kobe Bryant. This is competitive eating. It’s supposed to be fun.”

Catch highlights of Kobayashi’s record-breaking 69 hot dog performance below:

You can additionally watch Chestnut’s post contest interview in the video below:

via Yardbarker