It was one of the sporting world's greatest finals. Two perfectly matched gladiators facing each other down on the biggest stage of their career.No, not the tennis. (Although that was good too.) The world hot-dog eating contest on Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, where all-American hero Joey Chestnut shovelled his way to victory on July 4th.
The 24-year-old Chestnut was facing his long-time competitive eating nemesis, Japanese former-champion Takeru Kobayashi, and tensions were high. Several thousand spectators turned out to watch the contest, which was televised on American news channels around the country.
Chestnut ate harder and faster than ever before, but after swallowing 59 hot-dogs in 10 minues, both he and Kobayashi were tied for the championship. In the end it all came down to a 5 hot-dog deathmatch tie-break, in which Chestnut (just) came out on top.
"I knew I'd be able to do it and push through the pain," he told the crowd. "I was pushed by the audience. I love you New York."
To celebrate America's victory, here is a gallery of the world's greatest competitive eating photography. How long before this is featured at the Olympics?
Competitive Eating
Joey Chestnut is declared the winner of the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
AP
Takeru Kobayashi, of Japan, left, and Joey Chestnut battle to eat the most hot dogs in under ten minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
AP
Joey Chestnut holds up the mustard belt after winning the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
AP
Takeru Kobayashi, from Japan, left, Joey Chestnut, center, and Sonya Thomas battle to eat the most hot dogs at the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
AP
Takeru Kobayashi, of Japan, left, and Joey Chestnut battle to eat the most hot dogs in under ten minutes in the annual hot dog eating contest, Friday July 4, 2008, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Joey Chestnut reclaimed the top spot at the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island on Friday after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi with 59 hot dogs in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off. (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
AP
NEW YORK - JULY 4: Competetors in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest eat hot dogs July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - JULY 4: Takeru Kobayashi (L) and Joey Chestnut (C) compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - JULY 4: Takeru Kobayashi (L) and Joey Chestnut (C) compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - JULY 4: Hot dog eating fanatics wait for the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Joey Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK - JULY 4: Two police officers look over the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest July 4, 2008 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Joey Chestnut won the competition in sudden death overtime, eating a total of 59 hotdogs. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
