I think Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi is sandbagging it against Joey Chestnut.

It's the oldest trick in the book. Set yourself up as weak and unprepared. Fool the opposition into backing off, even just a wee little bit, then swallow them up.

Tsunamis do that. When the coast is least preprared….look out.

Jaw pain, arthritis of the choppers…whatever it was/is, Kobayashi, 29, is on his way to New York's Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest, which he first won in 2001 and every year since.

However, this year….he is not defending as the world record holder. Joey Chestnut, 22, took the record on by devouring 59.5 hot dogs in 12 minutes during a qualifier in Arizona on June 2nd of this year.

Kobayashi's record was 53 and 3/4 hot dogs…AND

buns.

I think I might be able to eat three.

It used to be that they let the contestants eat at these kinds of events until they exploded or worse. Now, there is a time limit.

My bet is there will be a champion and a new record next week….not a NEW champion and new record.

My money is on Kobayashi.

How about you? 

Other Posts About Takeru Kobayashi 

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Reigning Champ - Takeru Kobayashi

Speed Eating Champ, Takeru 'Tsunami' Kobayashi, Suffers Professional Injury

Japanese Speed Eating Champ, Takeru Kobayashi, Gobbles Up Kyrstal Hamburger Record