Netflix are increasingly exploring live broadcasts, and the next big event is a hot dog eating battle between legends Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi. Who will be crowned champion? That's the million-dollar question (and yes, the bookies are taking bets on this event).
When Netflix began, they were setting up a bold model that challenged traditional TV. And so far they've been able to keep growing, without any major disasters (unlike Disney), but in the desperate search to constantly provide something novel for the audience, they've ended up coming full circle, back to live TV.
Although still rare, they've been increasing these so-called "live-events" in 2024, first with a Katt Williams special called Woke Foke, and then with the Roast of Tom Brady. Now, they've announced the next live broadcast, Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, which will be broadcast on September 2, 2024. Are you ready for the ultimate hot dog eating showdown?
Netflix To Broadcast Chestnut Vs. Kobayashi Live
Unfinished Beef will settle a 15-year rivalry between two of the world's best competitive eaters: Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi.
Joey Chestnut is the bookie's favorite, and holds 55 world records for competitive eating, including the world record for most hot dogs — 76 in 10 minutes. He’s also won the iconic Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest 16 times.
Takeru Kobayashi, often called “the godfather of competitive eating”, has competed in a more diverse set of events. Although not as dominant in the world of hot dogs, he has broken records for pizza eating and ramen as well. Kobayashi is distinct for inventing novel techniques, for instance On the Japanese TV show TV Champion, during a contest to see how much ramen could be eaten in 60 minutes, Kobayashi used a strategy of lifting the noodles all at once to let air cool them down before placing them in his mouth. Genius.
The pair haven't gone face to face since 2009, when Chestnut beat Kobayashi in an iconic five-hot dog “sudden death” eat-off that has gone down as legendary in the history of competitive eating. This makes Unfinished Beef particularly exciting for veterans, but it should also make for a great entry point to those new to the sport.
So make sure to tune in live to Netflix on September 2. Until then, check out some of the great things available to stream on Netflix this month.
If you want to learn a little more before the event, Here's a great interview from 2014, in which Chestnut speaks on taking on an opponent like Kobayashi: