Joey Chestnut vs. Takeru Kobayashi: Two heavyweights to square off in Netflix hot dog competition
Netflix competition FILE PHOTO: Takeru "The Tsunami" Kobayashi of Japan, (R) and challenger Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California (L) down hot dogs at the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest July 4, 2006 at Coney Island in the Broolkyn borough of New York City. Kobayashi set a new record by downing 53 3/4 frankfurters in 12 minutes to win the annual Independence Day hot dog eating competition on Coney Island. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) (Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
ByNatalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Joey Chestnut may not be competing in Coney Island on July 4, but he will still be facing off with his “fiercest rival” later this year.
Chestnut and opponent Takeru Kobayashi will gorge themselves in a special that will air live on Netflix, the streaming service announced on social media on Wednesday.
Netflix called “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef” “a rivalry simmering for 15 years.”
The two have not competed since 2009 and Kobayashi was said to have retired, but he said he is not, The Associated Press reported.
“Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time,” Kobayashi said. “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.”
The Athletic reported Kobayashi was banned from Nathan’s contest due to a contract dispute with Major League Eating.
Chestnut was banned from competing in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest after he signed a deal with competitor Impossible Foods, maker of plant-based hot dogs.
Major League Eating event organizer, George Shea, said that the issue that ultimately removed Chestnut from the annual competition he has taken part in since 2005 centered on “exclusivity,” adding, “He (Chestnut) made the choice.”
But the reigning champion for 16 out of 17 years of competing in the event said that Nathan’s and Major League Eating were the ones to decide whether he could compete.
(1/3)I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years Im banned from the Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. 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.
(3/3) Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!
The AP reported that Impossible Foods hasn’t confirmed a partnership with Chestnut but said, “meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.”
Even New York City Mayor Eric Adams weighed in on the brouhaha, writing on X, “Stop being such weenies.”
“It would be ‘impossible’ to have this year’s Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut,” he said. “Let’s find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!”
Stop being such weenies! It would be 'impossible' to have this year's Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest without Joey Chestnut.
Let's find a way to squash this beef and bring back the champ for another 4th of July at Coney Island!https://t.co/NPuaApVw5a
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Hot dogs are placed on the competition table ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators look on ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators pose for a photo ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators cheer ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Hot dogs are placed on the competition table ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators cheer ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators look on ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators cheer ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators look on ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Defending champion Miki Sudo competes during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators take cover as a thunderstorm hits before the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The NYPD ruled it would be unsafe to continue the event outdoors in the rain with spectators. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators take cover as a thunderstorm hits before the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The NYPD ruled it would be unsafe to continue the event outdoors in the rain with spectators. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Mayoi Ebihara competes during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: (L-R) Mayoi Ebihara, defending champion Miki Sudo and Michelle Lesco compete during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Mayoi Ebihara (C) competes during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators take cover as a thunderstorm hits before the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The NYPD ruled it would be unsafe to continue the event outdoors in the rain with spectators. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Mayoi Ebihara (C) gives a thumbs up next to defending champion Miki Sudo (R) as they compete during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators take cover as a thunderstorm hits before the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The NYPD ruled it would be unsafe to continue the event outdoors in the rain with spectators. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: (L-R) Michelle Lesco, Mayoi Ebihara and defending champion Miki Sudo compete in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Mayoi Ebihara (L) shakes hands with defending champion Miki Sudo during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Defending champion Miki Sudo (C) and Michelle Lesco (R) compete during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Defending champion Joey Chestnut cheers after finishing in first place in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won after eating 61 hot dogs. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Defending champion Joey Chestnut cheers after finishing in first place in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won after eating 61 hot dogs. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: NYPD officers stand watch atop a building during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Women's winner Miki Sudo (L) and men's winner Joey Chestnut (R) pose after coming in first place during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Defending champion Joey Chestnut cheers after finishing in first place in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won after eating 61 hot dogs. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Spectators cheer during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Nathan's Famous workers prepare hot dogs for the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Nathan's Famous workers prepare hot dogs for the men's competition during the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Contestants compete in the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2023 at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The men's contest was postponed due to thunderstorms but later happened without spectators allowed into the "arena." The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)