I had reported previously on the 2006 running of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest held each year on the 4th of July at Coney Island.

Last year it was Japanese eating-sensation Takeru Kobayashi had made it six in a row by defeating hometown favourite, Joey Chestnut in a close run match. Chestnut was visibly disappointed with his defeat but vowed that he would be back in 2007, ready to eat.

Kobayashi Victorious – 2006

During this last year Kobayashi suffered an injury to his jaw which threatened to deny the world of the highly anticipated rematch.
However, Kobayashi showed his steel and once again, on good ol’ 4th of Julie, squared off against Chestnut for another round of dunk-a-hot-dog-in-a-glass-of-water-and-then-stuff-it-down-your-throat. The crowd knew that this could be a match of legendary preportions.

The Rematch – All the Action

Adding even more hype to the auspicious event was the fact that Joey Chestnut had recently bettered Kobayashi’s world record in a qualifier event in June. Kobayashi had it all to do.
However, on the day, after 4 minutes of bun munching the US dog devourer proved just too strong for his Asian rival – Joey Chestnut is victorious, returning the coveted Mustard Belt to an independence celabrating U.S of good ol’ A.

Chestnut Victorious – 2007

The Fox News headline says it all: American Joey Chestnut Wins Hot Dog Eating Contest, Shattering World Record.

And with this major win behind him the world of speed eating looks towards JC to take the sport to new televised heights.