Whilst Japan may lead the world in the fields of manga and maid cafes, the country’s quest for a sporting superstar has sadly remained illusive. Admittedly Japanese baseball and soccer players have made sizeable splashes in America and Europe respectively, but the nation has yet to produce a global star with the talent of Tiger Woods or the phenomenal fame of footballer David Beckham.
However the desperate search appeared to finally be over, as after six consecutive wins at the much renowned Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi looked set to become one of the greatest athletes to have graced the world stage by bagging an unprecedented seventh title at this year’s event. An achievement that sadly was wasn’t meant to be, as Kobayashi fell at the final hurdle and came a close second to American Joey Chestnut. The six-time winner even suffering the ignominy of a ‘reversal’ towards the end of the competition.
A feat that, if successful, would have surely resulted in the 29-year-old being given a hero’s welcome on his return to Japan. And along with sponsorship offers aplenty, there was also a much-anticipated audience planned at the Imperial Palace, with many people speculating that Kobayashi was to be awarded accordingly with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
But perhaps predictably the dream would appear to be over, and the search begins all over again…
Lenners says
I feel quite sorry for him after seeing that picture 🙁
WaveSurfer says
I even read that Takeru Kobayashi had to undergo intensive training for the event, like eating techniques etc. It sure wasn’t an easy feat.
Anyway, Joey Chestnut looked taller in size and probably got slightly more space in his stomach.
Better luck next time, Takeru Kobayashi!
AS says
Wow, Kobayashi finally lost. At least he was able to participate with his jawaitis he had earlier. Next time Kobayashi will win, that Chestnut dude finally beat him, he was always so close.
nrique says
Well can’t tell ya I didn’t call this one but I did! It looked like it was going to be a blow out, Chestnut had a 5 dog lead going into the 6 minute, but Kobayashi cleared his throat and began a steady climb back. Going into the last minute it was a 1 dog lead and by the final seconds it was an off and on again tie. Finally leading to a final score of 63 dogs for both eaters. It was the final judges tally that put Joey Chestnut at 66 and Takeru Kobayashi at 63. One for the record books, personal and world records were SMASHED that day. Takeru smashed through his last season record of 53 and followed Joey in smashing through the most recent record of 59. Two great titans met and displayed a true champions character, although only one can be crowned winner both these guys showed they are the best at what they do. EAT.
Takeru deserves to be welcomed home as a champion, he is the first to win six times in a row and created the HUGE popularity that the competitive eating competitions are experiencing. Takeru is the Babe Ruth of the eating game and that can NEVER be taken away from him.
I believe Takeru’s 6 championships in a row is going to stand for a long time. There is a good chance we will see these two next year and then it’s a TOTALLY different dog game. (get it, dog…game?)