Joey Chestnut: The Competitive Eating Champion Taking On Old Rivals

Joey Chestnut is the No. 1-ranked competitive eater in the world, but a rival from the past is back to challenge him on the most unusual of stages. This year, a thrilling showdown is set to take place between Chestnut and fellow champion Takeru Kobayashi. Their highly anticipated contest will occur in a live hot dog eating event streaming on Netflix this Labor Day, starting at 3 p.m. ET.

Chestnut, now 40 years old, and Kobayashi, 46, have long captivated audiences with their incredible eating talents. Both champions have a combined total of 22 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest titles, which showcases their dominance in the competitive eating world. Chestnut has notably maintained a staggering streak of eight consecutive victories from 2016 to 2023. However, it’s worth mentioning that these two titans have not faced each other since 2009, adding an extra layer of excitement to their upcoming duel.

While Chestnut is most recognized for his prowess in hot dog eating—having set a record by consuming 76 franks and buns in just 10 minutes in 2021—his talents extend far beyond just this one food. According to Major League Eating, the official organization overseeing competitive eating contests, Chestnut holds an astonishing total of 55 world records across various food categories. ESPN even highlighted his skills in a "Sport Science" feature, where they explained the mechanics behind his exceptional abilities.

With the spotlight back on this eating sensation, let’s take a closer look at some other delicacies that Chestnut has conquered in record time!

Twinkies

The first-ever competitive eating contest for Twinkies took place at Bally’s Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, on October 26, 2013. During this event, Chestnut devoured an impressive 121 Twinkies in just 6 minutes, surpassing his rival Matt Stonie who managed to eat 111, and earned $5,000 in prize money for his impressive feat.

Chestnut is not limited to just Twinkies; he also claimed a record in 2018 by consuming 257 Donettes in 6 minutes. These accomplishments showcase his versatility and ability to tackle a variety of foods.

Philly Cheesesteaks

On May 14, 2011, Chestnut participated in a cheesesteak-eating contest at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He successfully consumed 23 six-inch cheesesteaks in 10 minutes, marking his second consecutive victory in this event. One can only hope he didn’t attempt to ride any roller coasters right after such a hefty meal!

Eggo-Style Waffles

Chestnut faced off against Stonie in a waffle-eating contest on November 17, 2019, during a San Jose Barracuda hockey game. He consumed an amazing 81 waffles in just 8 minutes, beating Stonie’s record of 75. It’s interesting to note that the Dorsa brothers invented Eggo frozen waffles in San Jose back in 1953.

Turkey

Chestnut’s love for competitive eating extends to Thanksgiving favorites as well. On November 22, 2014, he set a world record by eating 9.35 pounds of meat off a 20-pound turkey in just 10 minutes at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. The question remains: did he need a nap after consuming all that tryptophan?

Ramen Noodles

During the early COVID-19 pandemic, Major League Eating and BetOnline organized a bracket-style eating challenge in April 2020. Chestnut advanced through three rounds, featuring various foods like Oreo cookies and baked beans, and ultimately set a record in the final by eating 10 cups of ramen noodles in just 1 minute and 50 seconds.

Shrimp Cocktail

Chestnut also displayed his eating prowess at the St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis on December 1, 2018. He consumed a whopping 18 pounds and 9.6 ounces of shrimp cocktail in just 8 minutes, solidifying his place in competitive eating history.

Tacos

Chestnut's taco-eating achievements are equally impressive. On July 29, 2011, he consumed 53 soft-shell tacos from Taco Bell in only 10 minutes, showing that he doesn’t need Taco Tuesday to enjoy his favorite dish. Additionally, he set another record five years later by eating 126 traditional three-inch tortilla tacos in 8 minutes.

Joey Chestnut continues to amaze fans with his remarkable competitive eating feats. As he prepares to face off against Takeru Kobayashi once again, the excitement surrounding this event proves that competitive eating remains a thrilling spectacle. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown!