Weird But True

Scandal! Video Shows Kobayashi Did Not Break Hot Dog Eating Record

American Joey Chestnut officially won the Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest  July 4th event at Coney Island by downing 62 hot dogs, but was upstaged by Takeru Kobayashi’s 69 dogs eaten across the East River in New York City. A new (though unofficial) world record was set.

There was one small problem- the official in charge of the rooftop event apparently did not count correctly.   There were almost immediate doubts on the accuracy of Kobayashi’s hot dog count, but this video posted by the Huffington Post (via IBtimes.com) seems to set the record straight: Kobayashi ate 65 hot dogs, not 69.

While it would have been enough to edge out Chestnut in this year’s competition, it falls short of Chestnut’s record of 68, set in 2009.

Anywho, there seems to be a pretty interesting little rivalry brewing between Kobayashi and Chestnut, who have collectively won 11 Nathan’s titles between them.

Reacting to the flubbed count, Chestnut has now challenged Kobayashi directly.  From the New York Daily News:  

“The whole thing seems kind of petty, but if that’s the way he wants to compete then I’m happy for him,” he said.

“I think even Kobayashi would agree that the record still stands at 68. And if he wants to compete with me on the Fourth of July, he knows what he has to do – sign a simple contract and man up.”

So there you have it – Coney Island, July 4th, 2012.  It’s gonna be a War on the Shore!