Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi to compete in Netflix competition

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After organizers for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest said Joey Chestnut wouldn’t compete this year because of a deal with a rival brand, Netflix swiftly announced a new hot dog-eating competition that will feature Chestnut and his “fiercest rival.” Chestnut, a 16-time hot dog-eating champion, will face off with his frequent Nathan’s competitor, Takeru Kobayashi, in a live Netflix special on Sept. 2, the streamer announced Wednesday. The contest, titled “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” will feature the two chowing down on all-beef hot dogs, likely in a nod to reports that Chestnut’s rival brand deal is with Impossible Foods, which makes vegan hot dogs. The fans love him,” said George Shea, a Major League Eating event organizer, adding: “He made the choice.” Chestnut disputed who made the choice, saying on the social platform X that Nathan’s and Major League Eating made the decision, adding that it would “deprive fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment.” He also wrote that fans could “rest assured” that they would see him east again soon, adding: “STAY HUNGRY!” Impossible Foods has not confirmed a formal relationship with Chestnut, but he said in a statement on Tuesday they support his choice to compete in any competition, adding “Meat eaters shouldn’t have to be exclusive to just one wiener.” In a Netflix news release announcing the competition, Chestnut said he was eager bring the competition to the streaming service. Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all over the world can watch me knock him out.” The hot dog-eating competition is the latest of the streamer's recent efforts to expand into live TV, and it highlights the company's emphasis on sporting events, which will include Christmas Day NFL games starting this year and WWE's “Raw” in 2025.