Day 10: Kobayashi v. Chestnut

This is developing into a pretty nice rivalry, with Kobayashi now billed as the 27-year-old 6-time consecutive champion and Joey Chestnut the 23-year-old start up engineering student. It's not quite Indians - Yankees in Major League, or Ullrich - Armstrong, but it's getting there.

And this year's Nathan's contest is going to be the best one yet. In May, of course, Joey Chestnut shattered Kobayashi's hot dog record, by scarfing 59 1/2 in 12 minutes (Kobayashi never got beyond 53 3/4, just ahead of Jared Smith's 10 3/4).




Then, just after that, Kobayashi announced that he would not eat on July 4th because of arthritis in his jaw, which he compared to a pitcher having torn elbow ligaments.

I don't think he was faking (although it might not be a bad strategy - Chestnut is at his high right now and a lot could have happened in a year); in fact, I think it was a brilliant piece of manipulative PR that made the most of a bad situation and changed the focus of the contest and ensure that Kobayashi's reputation does not suffer, regardless of the result on Wednesday.

First, Kobayashi announced the injury on a personal blog, and is now referring to it as 'when the information leaked out.' Second, he initially announced that he would not compete and now, after what he says is an outpouring of support from fans that, to him, sounds like a rallying cry, he has decided to tough it out. Third, a doctor is now saying he could be seriously jeopardizing his career by competing because he could aggravate the injury.

ESPN on Wednesday is going to lead with: Will the injured champion be able to tough it out against the upstart new world record holder. Before Kobayashi announced his injury, it would have been: "Is there a new champ on the block? How will Kobayashi deal with this unprecedented pressure from Chestnut?"

He's made himself the hero again, the center of attention, the main storyline. If he loses, at least he tried in the face of crippling pain. If he wins, he's an absolutely incredible eater, his legacy cemented permanently no matter what happens. Either way, we'll be tuning in on Wednesday not to see Chestnut, but to see Kobayashi. And that's just what he wanted.


As an aside: We're going to be tuning in at me and zoe's apartment on Wednesday during our 4th of July party. Drinking, drinking games, probably a Power Hour or two, and also Nathan's eating contest and fireworks on the Charles. I'd suggest coming, if possible, (probably only applies to everyone in NY). It's gonna be fun.