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Anyone who follows the world of competitive eating or has watched a July 4 hot dog eating competition in the last decade knows the name Joey Chestnut , which has become synonymous with the sport. Known as one of the greatest competitive eaters of all time, Chestnut will not compete in this year's July 4 Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. What Happened: Many in the sports world were shocked to hear that Chestnut will not be competing in this year's event, which is hosted by sponsor Nathan's Famous NATH .
The competitive eater was told he couldn't compete due to his sponsorship with plant-based food company Impossible Foods, which has launched its own hot dog brand. Chestnut, who has won the event 16 times, will take part in another competition. Streaming giant Netflix Inc NFLX announced it will host "Chestnut vs.
Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef" on Sept. 2 at a to be named location The new live head-to-head all-beef hot dog eating competition will pit Chestnut against Takeru Kobayashi, a rival who won the Nathan's July 4 contest six times. The two have not faced off against each other since 2009.
Kobayashi announced his retirement from competitive eating last month citing health concerns, but wants one last shot at Chestnut. "Retiring for me will only happen after I take him down one last time," Kobayashi said in a statement shared by ESPN. "This rivalry has been brewing for a long time.
Competing against Joey live on Netflix means fans all .
