Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest

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Over the last decade, this chowdown showdown has evolved from a lovable sideshow to an internationally televised high-stakes affair, thanks mostly to the emergence of six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi, the fledgling sport’s first hero. The ’07 matchup saw the arrival of 24-year-old San Jose State civil engineering student Joey Chestnut, who stunned the world by downing 66 HDBs (hot dogs and buns) in 12 minutes, and vanquishing the seemingly invincible Kobayashi to being the Yellow Belt back home. (Where it belongs! Check out this patriotism-stirring highlight clip �have an air sickness bag ready.) But Kobayashi isn’t going anywhere and Chestnut may just be scratching the surface of his potential, meaning these two might well push each other to brave (gross) new heights for the next ten 4th-of-Julys to come. Long live the Clash at Coney Island! — Amos Barshad