Joey Chestnut Vs. Takeru Kobayashi: “Unfinished Beef” To Stream On Netflix
The 16-time champion Joey Chestnut will now be facing Takeru Kobayashi in “Unfinished Beef” on September 2, streaming live on Netflix. Not too long after he was deemed ineligible to compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest next month for signing an endorsement deal with Impossible (a plant-based meat company), Chestnut has his next event.
Joey Chestnut vs. Takeru Kobayashi: “Unfinished Beef” on Netflix
“Through all of my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival,” Chestnut said in a statement, as reported by NBC News. “Competing against him pushed me to be so much better. I know that fans have waited a long time for another chapter of our rivalry and I can’t wait for our massive showdown live on Netflix! It’s time to give the people what they want!”
Chestnut was surprised about the news of being banned from the eating contest. He took to social media to share his thoughts, saying, “I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan’s July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest.”
He continued to say, “I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.”
In July 2023, Chestnut downed 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes. He first competed for the Nathan’s title in 2005 and hasn’t lost it since 2015. His best finish was in 2021 when he tallied 76 hot dogs.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual event that takes place on Coney Island, New York. It’s a speed eating contest to see who can devour the most Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs in 10 minutes.
Before 2007, it had been largely dominated by Japanese contestants according to the contest website. Joey claimed his first title in 2007 when he ended the reign of 6-time champion Takeru Kobayashi. Following his first victory, Joey went on to become the most decorated champion of all time winning the next 11 out of the 12 years.
Kobayashi said in a recent Netflix documentary that he is retiring, noting health concerns. In it, he said, “I no longer feel hunger.”
“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said in a statement. “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.”
In recent months, Netflix has offered more live event streaming. It will stream the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match in November, and it recently announced a three-game deal to show the NFL on Christmas Day.
