Since 2007, American Joey Chestnut has held the Yellow Mustard Belt.
I don't want to say it's a lock, but it appears Chestnut will keep the hot dog-eating title. His rival, Takeru Kobayashi from Japan, has not committed to take part in Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest this year.
Personally, if Kobayashi really doesn't participate in the 2010 competition, I think it's because he doesn't want to taste defeat again, for the fourth straight year.
From the Associated Press:
The biggest beef in the hot dog eating world between Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut might have just burned out.
The Japanese Kobayashi is not scheduled to show at this year's July 4 hot dog eating contest in New York. He's won six times — an unprecedented feat.
Major League Eating president Richard Shea claims Kobayashi's contract negotiations broke down this year. But competitors still worry that Kobayashi could make a last-minute entrance.
"It shouldn't make a difference for my game plan," said Chestnut, from San Jose, Calif. "But it's just an annoying little thing to think about. I just have to make sure I'm ready."
Kobayashi ate his way to victory from 2001 to 2006. But starting in 2007, he choked.
Chestnut has won the title for the last three years. In last year's contest, Chestnut scarfed 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes — a world record.
Two years ago, Chestnut beat Kobayashi in a five-dog eat off, after they tied at 59 franks each.
...The 95th annual hot dog eating contest will take place in Coney Island, Brooklyn, at 12:40 p.m. Sunday. TV viewers can catch the spectacle on ESPN from noon to 1 p.m.
More, from the New York Daily News:
Is it the Fourth of July without Takeru Kobayashi?
The six-time Nathan's hot-dog eating champion seems to have dropped out of this year's gorge-fest, officials said Monday.
After "an impasse" in negotiations, Kobayashi, 32, failed to commit to taking part in the contest, said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating.
The 128-pound Kobayashi did not return a message seeking comment.
Dubbed the "Tsunami" for his stomach-churning style of inhaling entire franks in one bite, Kobayashi wowed the crowds in 2001 when he shattered the world record by scarfing down 50 dogs in 12 minutes.
He went on to win every year until 2007, when Joey Chestnut wrestled the mustard-yellow belt from Kobayashi by eating a stunning 66 dogs.
..."There is no other competitor," said Chestnut. "If he doesn't compete, it's a victory for me because I would have scared him away."
I don't trust Kobayashi. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he competes. I think he may be bluffing about sitting out. I think it's likely a strategy meant to mess with Chestnut and throw him off his game. I don't think it'll work, but I think that may be what's going on.
Poor Kobayashi. It's come to this.
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2010 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds to Win – Joey Chestnut Favored
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made Chestnut a 1/3 favorite to win the 2010 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Kobayashi is right behind him at 5/4, while Patrick Bertoletti is 11/1 to win and Tim Eater X Janus is 13/1.
2010 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Odds to Win – July 4, 2010Bob Shoudt 22/1
Hall Hunt 33/1
Joey Chestnut 1/3
Patrick Bertoletti 11/1
Sean Gordon 80/1
Sonya Thomas 33/1
Takeru Kobayashi 5/4
Tim Eater X Janus 13/1
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