Binge-watching meets binge-eating: Netflix hosts hot dog eating contest live!

Netflix is full of surprises! While the streaming giant has jumped on the live sports events bandwagon, who could have predicted they’d host a live hot dog eating contest? Grab your ketchup and mustard because, on Labor Day, September 2, 2024, Netflix will stream Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef live! Join Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi, legendary eaters, as they battle it out for the ultimate hot dog-eating title.

This rematch promises to be epic, with both competitors vying to devour the most all-beef hot dogs. "Through all my years in competitive eating, Kobayashi stands out as my fiercest rival," says Chestnut. "This showdown on Netflix will be legendary!"

Kobayashi, returning from retirement, adds:

"Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans worldwide can witness me take him down one last time."

- Takeru Kobayashi via Variety

The exact location and timing will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for updates on how to catch this thrilling event live on Netflix. But if you're particularly curious about the contestants, then join us as we reveal all about Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi and their long rivalry, below!

Who is Joey Chestnut? 

Hailing from San Jose, California, Joey Chestnut is a legendary figure in competitive eating, boasting an impressive 55 world records. His claim to fame? Devouring a staggering 76 hot dogs in just 10 minutes -- a feat that solidified his dominance in the sport. Chestnut has clinched the title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest 16 times, consecutively since 2016. However, his anticipated participation in the 2024 event was recently revoked by Major League Eating following controversies surrounding his endorsement deal with vegan hot dog brand Impossible Foods, according to Variety.

What has Joey Chestnut said about the upcoming Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef contest?

"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!"

- Joey Chestnut via Tudum

Who is Takeru Kobayashi?

Known as the "godfather of competitive eating," Takeru Kobayashi made waves by winning Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest an unprecedented six times in a row from 2001 to 2006, setting and breaking his own records. Despite being banned from the competition in 2010 due to contract disputes, Kobayashi continued to dominate the sport, accumulating over 10 world records in competitive eating. In the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut, Kobayashi announced his retirement from competitive eating, citing concerns over the toll it took on his body after years of intense consumption.

However, the "godfather" has decided to return from retirement for one final showdown.

What has Takeru Kobayashi said about the upcoming Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef contest?

"Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time. 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."

- Takeru Kobayashi via Tudum

The Beef Between Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi

For over a decade, Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi have been synonymous with competitive eating, their names intertwined in the lore of Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest. Their epic battles made headlines, reaching a climax in 2009 when Chestnut narrowly edged out Kobayashi in a dramatic five-hot dog "sudden death" showdown.

Since then, the competitive eating world has eagerly awaited a rematch. Now, after 15 years apart, Chestnut and Kobayashi are set to reignite their feud in a live event on September 2.

This historic event on Netflix promises to be more than just a competition -- it’s a clash of titans, a chance for Chestnut and Kobayashi to settle old scores and carve their names once again into the annals of competitive eating history. Stay tuned as the countdown begins to witness the ultimate battle of appetites!

Why is Netflix hosting a hot dog contest?

Why not! After Joey Chestnut's exclusion from the iconic hot dog contest, Netflix saw an opportunity to stir up excitement with its own live event, aiming to rival Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. And why wouldn't the streaming giant seize such an opportunity?

Netflix is no stranger to offering thrilling live sports and event programming. Following the success of The Netflix Cup, The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady Live, and The Netflix Slam, as well as the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event streaming on November 15, the hot dog eating contest is the latest addition to Netflix's expanding lineup. This move underscores Netflix's commitment to diverse and engaging content, catering not only to sports fans but also to viewers craving unique and entertaining live experiences.

With plans to exclusively stream WWE Raw weekly starting in 2025 and NFL games on Christmas from 2024 to 2026, Netflix Sports continues to broaden its offerings, promising more unforgettable moments and matchups for audiences around the globe.