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| Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: Chestnut Four-Peats! |
| 2010-07-04 |
| [Update 12:03 p.m.] ESPN has a graphic of hot dog eating "Gamechangers," including Kobayashi, who pioneered the technique of separating the hot dogs and buns, and dunking the buns in lemonade. They also say even if Kobayashi showed up, he would not be able to compete. Competitor Pat Bertoletti said, "Without Kobayashi, it's not Nathan's." But Chestnut doesn't seem intimidated: he says he thinks he can eat 70 hot dogs this year. He set the record last year with 68. [Update 12:11 p.m.] Nathan's is preparing over 1,000 hot dogs for the competitors. From contest winners Michael Bisberg & Laura Silver: "[MLE President] George Shea is singing "99 Red Balloons...in German." The heat must be really affecting everyone. ESPN says this is the largest crowd so far. Police estimated there would be about 40,000 spectators this year. [Update 12:16 p.m.] ESPN asks if the record can be beaten this year. Given last year's results--with Chestnut finishing with 68 hot dogs, Kobayashi at 64.5 hot dogs and Pat Bertoletti with 55 hot dogs--the competition is really between Chestnut and his own record. One fan from Jersey said, "Exactly one year ago, we saw Joey Chestnut eat 68 hot dogs. He's eating 70 today! USA!" But rookie Ben Monson might make a strong showing; he once defeated Chestnut in a Flautas-eating competition. |
| Posted by:Beavis |