Big news in the competitive eating world — longtime rivals Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut won’t be competing at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest anymore. Kobayashi announced his retirement in May, and Chestnut got banned. But fear not, they’re bringing their skills to other arenas, like the world’s most popular streaming platform, Netflix.
Mark your calendars for September 2 for “CHESTNUT VS. KOBAYASHI: UNFINISHED BEEF,” airing live on Netflix.
For 15 years, a rivalry has simmered.
CHESTNUT VS. KOBAYASHI: UNFINISHED BEEF — the ultimate hot dog eating competition — will air LIVE on Netflix, Monday, September 2. pic.twitter.com/MeVQP1lQuS
— Netflix (@netflix) June 12, 2024
The announcement seems to be strategically timed to highlight Chestnut’s recent ban. Major League Eating declared his ban on July 4, but it flew under the radar.
The day after Chestnut’s ban, he was thrust into the most-watched eating contest in the world.
Kobayashi’s retirement wasn’t a shock, as a Netflix documentary unveiled his decision to stop competing due to health concerns.
Get ready for an All-You-Can-Eat Frenzy in September, hosted by Kobayashi and Chestnut. Chestnut, a 16-time winner of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest, considers Kobayashi his toughest competitor. The two champions are gearing up for an epic showdown on Netflix. It’s all for the fans!