Kobayashi Vs. Chestnut, the rematch that never was

In the world of competitive eating, few names are as big as Takeru “the Tsunami” Kobayashi; though, this year Joey Chestnut has been giving him a run for his money, breaking the Tsunami’s record in a qualifying event. All eyes were turned to the official Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championships to be held at Coney Island on July 4th to determine if Chestnut has what it takes to take down the Tsunami.

Unfortunately it is looking questionable if Kobayashi will be competing this year. During training for this years competition, looking to break Chestnut’s record, Kobayashi started to feel jaw pain and reached the point where he could no longer close his mouth. He has been diagnosed with jaw arthritis. While he hopes to be able to compete, it is questionable if he will be at his full eating potential.

Some say it is the fear of going up against Joey Chestnut that is getting to him, some are concerned for his health and well being. Kobayashi has been one of the bigger faces in the competitive eating circuit, currently holding the world records for hamburgers, bratwurst sausages, lobster rolls, cows’ brains and rice balls amongst other things.

In other competitive eating news, New York has a little piece on Eater X and Crazy Legs Conti, New York room-mates who are popular faces on the competitive eating circuit as well and will both be representing New York in this year’s championships.