Joey takes Route 66 (HDB) to victory
Nathan’s Finals results
1. Joey Chestnut 66 HDB (listed at 63 when contest ended), $10000
2. Takeru Kobayashi 63 HDB (appeared to have a reversal near contest end), $5000
3. Pat Bertoletti 49 HDB, $2500
4. Tim “Eater X” Janus 43.5 HDB, $1500
5. Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas: 39 HDB (new female record, breaks 37 HDB plateau), $1000
6. Bob Shoudt 35 HDB
6. Chip Simpson 35 HDB
8. Rich LeFevre 31 HDB
9. Hall Hunt: 29 HDB
10. Juliet Lee 26 HDB (finals record for rookie female)
11. Dale Boone 25 HDB
12. Pat Philbin 24 HDB
13. Crazy Legs Conti 23.5 HDB
14. Erik “the Red” Denmark 23 HDB
15. Tim Brown 22.5 HDB
16. Arturo Rios, Jr. 21 HDB
16. Allen “Shredder” Goldstein 21 HDB
update Full results are available on IFOCE. The IFOCE report mentions neither Kobayashi’s possible reversal nor Joey’s “phantom” extra 3 HDB. The reported attendance is 50,000.
NYTimes.com has an article mentioning the post contest jump in Joey Chestnut’s result. You would think that scraps would result in a deduction and not an increment:
After both men appeared to finish with 63 hot dogs eaten, the judges spent several minutes in a somewhat bizarre recount. To determine a winner, the judges counted the scraps left on the plates.
The liveblog of the telecast follows after the jump
I will be liveblogging the ESPN telecast of the Nathan’s finals in this entry. MyFox is also doing a live blog. Gothamist is also doing a live blog.
noon – the telecast begins with a mention of Kobayashi’s condition Paul Page & Rich Shea are commentating
12:03 – Cookie Jarvis is on stage throwing things into the audience
12:04 – a commercial for Heinz airs
12:07 – Kobayashi is interviewed with Joey Chestnut. Kobayashi shows off his extracted wisdom tooth.
12:09 – The competitor list is displayed and no Indian giant is on it. Andersson of Sweden is also not present despite his appearance on the poster Don Lerman saw in Nathan’s
12:10 – Pat Bertoletti is interviewed and says he likes being the underdog. He says he found a “chink” in Joey Chestnut’s armor at the St. Pat’s showdown.
12:11 – a sword swallower will apparently be a subject of an upcoming segment, apparently they could not find enough compelling competitive eating material.
12:16 – mini profiles of the following eaters are done, Pat Bertoletti, TIm Janus “the Jake Plummer of summer”, Chip Simpson (now in Alabama), Sonya Thomas (who waves)
12:17 – Tim Janus (with a new haircut) is shown. It is stated that Tim Janus has never regressed in a Nathan’s contest.
12:18 – A tribute to Coney Island sideshows is done. I think Dick Zigun introduces the segment. A man hammering nails into his nose and a female snake handler are shown. It is said that the redevelopment will not change the character of Coney Island is shown. The segment ends quickly and goes into commercial.
12:22 – A profile of Joey Chestnut runs.
12:24 – Some top Japanese athletes are displayed on the screen. Rich Shea call Sadaharu Oh a “fraud” It is said that Kobayashi cannot be found.
12:25 – a commerical for Axia3 runs.
12:28 – eaters comment on Kobayashi’s condition: Crazy Legs, Boone, Eater X, Boone says he might beat Kobayashi.
12:29 – The introductions begin: Tim Brown (wearing a suit), Shredder Goldstein, Dale Boone (wearing overalls), Crazy Legs, Juliet Lee, Erik Denmark, Pat Philbin, Arturo Rios (dressed as a rapper), Hall Hunt, Humble Bob (showing off his belly), Rich LeFevre, Sonya Thomas, Chip Simpson, Tim Janus (holding a sign with a Harry Potter spoiler), Pat Bertoletti, (with Joe Delaney on his headband), Joey Chestnut, Kobayashi
12:37 – The “Wall of Fame” has not been corrected to list Mark Heller’s 1986 victory.
12:41 – Joey Chestnut is interviewed on the stage.
12:42 – the contest starts. Chestnut has a 1-2 dog lead over Kobayashi
12:43 – 2 minutes Chestnut 20, Koby 18
12:44 – 3 minutes Joey 27, Koby 23
12:45 – 4 minutes Joey 34 Koby 29 Pat 26 Chip 20 Tim 19
12:46 – 5 minutes Joey 39 Koby 35 Pat 30
12:47 – halfway Joey 43 Koby 40 Pat 32 – Joey appears to have difficulty
12:48 – 7 minutes Joey 47 Koby 45 Pat 35
12:49 – 8 minutes Joey 51 Koby 49 Pat 38
12:50 – 9 minutes Joey 54 Koby 53 Pat 41 (Paul Page confuses the finals record with the overall record)
12:51 – 10 minutes Joey 57 Koby 56 Pat 44
12:52 – 1 minute left Joey 60 Koby 60 Pat 46
12:53 – 30 seconds Joey 61 Koby 61 Pat 46
12:54 – finish Joey 63 Koby 63 (Kobayashi apparently DQed) final ruling will occur after commercial
12:55 – The DQ ruling could cost Kobayashi $5,000
12:57 – Joey Chestnut is ruled to have 66 HDB, Koby 63 (pending DQ decision), Pat 49 (I am not sure where the extra 3 came from for Joey)
12:59 – I don’t see how Kobayashi could not have been DQed, Pat and the #4 – #7 finishers appear to have reason to be upset if they are bumped down a position in the prizes
13:00 – this years telecast was considerably improved from previous year’s just by dropping the chewcam and showing the standings throughought the contest. It would be nice if the standings outside the top 5 were occasionally shown
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lostinube said
July 4, 2007 @ 12:29 pm
The Gothamist liveblog is up and running:
http://gothamist.com/2007/07/04/liveblogging_th_4.php
Original Hater said
July 4, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
dq!!!!
mike landrich said (Registered July 4, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
Joey!!!!!
Original Hater said
July 4, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
What? 63? Obvious reversal. Awesome job Joey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out of Shape Eater said
July 4, 2007 @ 12:59 pm
How is that not a DQ? Pat should be PISSED. That costs him $$$ now that there is cash on the line.
chappy said (Registered May 25, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
Wow.
Just, wow.
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
Koby had a DQ. The WORLD could see it. Even a blind man could see it.
Pat Bertoletti should be listed as second place.
This is twice Koby got a DQ and still they cover up.
That orange and yellow chunky spray at the end was not just water. It was a reversal of fortune. But because it was Koby, the story will be it was water coming off his buns.
Kevin Carr said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
He didn’t “appear” to reverse. He reversed. And to make matters worse, he was stuffing his vomited buns back into his mouth after time had been called.
Kobayashi may be a great eater, and he’s eaten more HDBs than almost anyone else in history… but the guy has no honor. He’s a spoiled brat who should have taken the reversal. When the live ESPN camera sees you spew your guts through your fingers, there’s no denying it.
I’ve lost all respect for the man. Pathetic.
Kevin Carr said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
It also cost whoever was in 5th place (I think Sonya) all her prize money.
Jake From SF said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
It’s the contest’s decision to judge whether koby spewed or not. Koby can’t DQ himself. I have total respect for the guy going through with the contest despite whatever family problems (mother’s death), inuries (his jaw), and the fact that he was an underdog for the 1st time and still competing to the best of his abilities. Congrats to Joey. Way to bring the belt back to the USA and most importantly to the West Coast/Bay Area. Pat did great, but even if joey spit up alittle bit, what he has in his stomach was way more than what Bertoletti ate. Koby may have not done 63 but he still shattered his old record and he will be back with Joey looking to eat 70 HDBS. Please look at this day as a positive for Joey and don’t hate on Kobayahsi. Thanks.
KevinRoss said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
I’m going to take the controversial stance here and say that, although Kobayashi clearly should have been disqualified and it sucks people like Pat got screwed out of some prize money, I can understand why the judges did what they did. Kobayashi made CE what it is today and is why ESPN kept televising Nathan’s before Joey came up to give him competition. Any of us who are doing speed eating today owe most of that to Kobayashi keeping the fire alive and being a charismatic media presence. He just lost his title, why rub more salt in the wound. Anyway, my mind is still boggling from how many dogs went down today, reversal or not. That was an impressive display of what the human body and mind is capable of for all parties involved. Joey is going to party tonight!!
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Kobayashi thre up twice!!!! What a joke it should have been Joey then Pat 1-2. The only thing sadder was watching Kobayashi easting his own puke.
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
The others behind Kobayashi got screwed out of $$$$.
Erbivore said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Great job Joey! And good point Jake. Judges never want to make a controversial call at the end of the game, and I don’t blame them. As for Joey, this should turnout to be a great payday for him beyond the cash winnings (and year supply of hot dogs). Great work by all the other eaters too!
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Watching Koby one could see how he was playing possum. So many predicted just that.
Joey would not wanted to have won with a DQ by Koby. But who should be the most upset is whoever placed just outside the money. They got shafted by Koby and the judges as well as everyone who had to take a place further down in the money payout.
The Sheas need to make it right or the millions who watched the reversal on ESPN will start to tune out and taht will hurt the bottom line with the sponsors.
IFOCE needs to admit that Koby DQ’ed. We atched him still stuffing it back in his mouth long after the contest was over. Koby lost fair and square. Now Koby should step up and admit defeat like a true sportman.
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
Conspiracy for Kobayashi!!!! Joey kicked his butt.
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Did Koby even comment afterwards? ESPN didn’t interview him.
the boy king said
July 4, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
I can understand not announcing the DQ on the air… that looks bad for all of us CE competitors. But after the fact, behind closed doors, give Koby the DQ and make the rankings correct.
He pushed too far. He still ate the second most ever, but you gotta be under control.
Great job everyone!
Wing TUT!
Kevin Carr said
July 4, 2007 @ 2:05 pm
First of all, I wasn’t saying anything about Joey. I think Joey did awesome today and deserved every aspect of the win. And considering he won no matter how you look at it. He beat Koby in numbers. He didn’t gak like Koby obviously did. And he beat all records out there.
As to Koby… HE THREW UP. Everyone in the world saw it. Paul Page and Rich Shea called it live as a reversal. I didn’t expect him to walk away from the table, but he was stuffing buns into his mouth AFTER TIME WAS CALLED.
I don’t care how much Koby did for the sport. I don’t care how many times he won in the past. He frickin’ threw up in a contest. And anyone in CE will tell you, that is how it rolls. I think it’s absolutely stupid to say that we’ll give him a bye on this because he is so meaningful to the sport. HE THREW UP. Bottom line.
The judges should have DQ’d him. He shouldn’t have had 2nd place. And Koby shouldn’t have been waving and smiling, giving the thumbs up sign to the crowd when he was announced in 2nd place.
Koby has never lost to a human until today. This is what you get when you never lose – a really, really, really bad sport.
It’s a sad day when Kobayashi looks like a worse sportsman than Dale Boone in a contest. (In fact, I was impressed by Dale on the show. He actually appeared respectable. Good job, Dale.)
And speaking of Dale, his pre-contest prediction was correct – He and every other eater in that contest beat Kobayashi. That’s why I think Kobayashi won’t accept a reversal – ’cause that would mean he has been defeated on American soil by not one, but 15 eaters. Congrats to all the other eaters from Tim Brown up to Pat Bertoletti… YOU ALL BEAT KOBAYASHI. You should be proud.
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
The last post says it all and is correct.
Anonymous said
July 4, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
Koby didnt have time to comment ESPN went off the air.
Luther
Bubba said (Registered January 8, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Joey, all I can say is how proud of your accomplishment I am. Congratulations to everyone who competed. Especially JOEY #1 PAT #2.
John said
July 4, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
When will the full results go up, and where will they go up first? I’d lie to see how the rest of the field did.
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
With Koby losing, where do you think Koby will compete next year for the qualifier? Whoever competes in that one will have a tough road to haul. Or might IFOCE hold a special qualifer in Japan for Koby?
Maybe Koby can compete in a qualifer next year with the alleged giant …………… unless the giant breaks his foot again…….NOT
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 3:05 pm
CONGRATS to Joey. You earned this World Record. Wear that mustard belt with pride. You fought hard and WON fair and square.
JAWS #1 Worldwide!! said
July 4, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
What do you have to say now RHONDA EVANS! Always saying, that Koby was never going to lose to JOEY!! You’ve posted endless comments on here refering to that. You were wrong face the facts!! You must be STUNNED!! Joey will destroy Koby again in Krystals for the second time in a contest this year and so on and so on.!! Koby better watch out for Pat in sweets, he could knock off Koby as well….
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 3:42 pm
Look at this video from CBS. See how Joey had 63 dogs until the last second when it went to 66. Also look to the end of this one minute clip and watch Koby, instead of congratulating Joey, he turns his back, walks away and looks like he might be having another reversal.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=952695&cl=3251723&src=news
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 4:20 pm
Here are the Official results as posted on IFOCE
Official Results
Joey Chestnut: 66
Takeru Kobayashi: 63
Pat Bertoletti: 49
Tim “Eater X” Janus: 43.5
Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas: 39
Bob Shoudt: 35
Chip Simpson: 35
Rich LeFevre: 31
Hall Hunt: 29
Juliet Lee: 26
Dale Boone: 25
Pat Philbin: 24
Crazy Legs Conti: 23.5
Erik “the Red” Denmark: 23
Tim Brown: 22.5
Arturo Rios, Jr.: 21
Allen Goldstein: 21
Out of Shape Eater said
July 4, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
What’s this crap about “phantom” hot dogs? The 63 was based on the count of the bunnette in the background, who easily could have missed 3 hotdogs in the first couple of minutes when Joey was finishing one every 5 or 6 seconds. Joey obviously thought he had at least 65 at the end of the contest and was telling the ref to count the dogs in front of him. Once they counted the leftovers they got to the total of 66.
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Did Koby DQ or not? Here are some pictures. You decide for yourself.
http://www.thehangman.org/hotdog
Anonymous said
July 4, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
Compared to Joey and Kobys great job everyone else there was a table ender and I dont mean that in a bad way but those two are just so far above everyone else.
Luther
shazam said (Registered June 27, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
After looking at the tape again, it appears that Kobayashi did not expel the matter from his mouth until just after the buzzer. It was always my understanding that a gurgitator was disqualified if he vomited during the competition. If so, it wouldn’t seem that a DQ would be appropriate in this case because the vomiting, if any, occurred after the competition ended. But it is clear that an eater does not get credit for food that does not stay in the mouth after the buzzer, hence the deduction.
Anonymous said
July 4, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Not to take away from Sonya’s really good performance I think that had Gal Sone been there at least she could have saved something for Japan by outeating Sonya and making a new female record.
Luther
beautifulbrian said
July 4, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
I have a few things to say about todays show. I was there. It was great spectacular and breathtaking. There always has to be one person that insists on putting a damper on my day. I wouldnt let that individual get to me. I wont mention names but lets just say its a female and its not an eater. Someone that is very close with IFOCE either was having a bad day or is just plain arrogant and nasty.And yeah i have no problem voicing my displeasure and came very close to letting a not so beautiful side of me show, which people have never seen before. I wont embarrass this individual but an email will be sent to the higher ups regarding the attitude of this individual. On a more positive note Joey and Kobe put on one hell of a show. Kobe will be back to defend and i look forward to the rematch. People might not appreciate their performance until they look back some years later and say “WOW”. I commend the both of them and will not even mention DQ’s or anything of that nature. I could not get a center view of the contest because my pass only allowed me entrance to family and friends section . I was thrown out of the media section. Maybe someone could have told me they issued 100 different passes for VIP, Media, All Events, Performer, Special forces , Ground area, French fry pass, Hot dog pass. (just kidding on those last two) Geez Christ I was waiting for them to issue a toilet bowl pass. My show will feature clips that were not shown on ESPN like in depth intro’s of the eaters, Three amigos and Don Lerman lifetime award., Mike Devito and George Shea dancing with bunnettes. You will see it all on BB corner Nathans finals edition .How i bust my ass to entertain people and i have to put up with these nasty attitudes.
KevinRoss said
July 4, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
If Liz was Joey’s bunette, she would have made sure the “phantom dogs” were noticed and counted right away. Professional models indeed.
Killer K Hill said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
Wow! thats all I have to say. Im so happy that the mustard belt is back where it belongs, in the hands of a true American. Awesome job joey and everyone that participated in the event.
Kevin Carr said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:00 pm
Shazam, I mean this with all respect… are you serious? While it’s not always been clear what the rules are, but IFOCE contests have disqualfied people for anything coming out of their mouths that were consumed during regulation time. Ask Pat, who was DQ’d in tamales because he couldn’t clear his mouth after the buzzer. Ask me, who lost a world title in noodles with a reversal in the last 9 seconds (and expelled less than the flood of buns and water that Koby lost today.
Why make excuses for Kobayashi? He VOMITED in the regulation time. It was in the last second, but it clearly happened (if you reveiw the tape, it happened in as the count-down hit zero), . Then, he was seen STUFFING HIS VOMIT BACK IN HIS MOUTH after time was called.
I don’t care how you spin it. This is CHEATING. Any other eater would have been DQ’d on the spot.
Kobayashi is a sore loser. He’s a terrible sport. He has no honor of the game. His childish and egomaniacal attitude leading up to this contest (wah boo hoo, my jaw hurts), before the contest (private limo and security service – apparently not good enough to hang with the other eaters) and after the contest (i.e., giving a thumbs up when handed second place and not conducting interviews or congratulating Joey) has forever sullied his reputation and the sport.
Good sportsmanship is revealed not in how you win, but how you lose. And Kobayashi was the clear loser today in all senses of the word.
Some may accuse me of hating. So be it. Koby owes Joey, the fans and all the other eaters an apology. I personally will never cheer for him again after what happened today. Great athlete or not, he’s no longer good for the sport.
With that said, awesome job to everyone else. Joey, awesome job bringing the belt back home. Sonya, great job staying up with the numbers. Pat, incredible job hitting 49 HDBs. And major kudos to rookies Tim Brown and Arturo Rios. Great numbers for a seat at Coney Island.
Out of Shape Eater said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Brian – the nastiest attitude of all is yours. Every time you post you seem to be whining and moaning about being mistreated. Here’s some advice – lose some weight and change your nickname.
doughboy said (Registered June 9, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 6:30 pm
I was under the impression that the contest was not over till you finished what you had in your mouth. Hence, when it came out he should have been dq’ed.
Original Hater said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
I am very interested to hear from some of the other people that were there today as to what happened. My understanding of the rules are that any reversal prior to results being announced is a dq as well as you must clear your mouth within a short amount of time after the contest. Based on that and from what I saw, Koby should’ve finished in last place. It was an impressive display to get to 63 for sure, but rules are rules. I feel bad for him with what he’s dealt with recently with his mother and all but I also feel bad for Humble Bob who didn’t finish in the money and the others who got less than what they deserved. With as popular as CE is getting I think that having yet another controversy and a pretty obvious violation w/out the predetermined penalty given are bad deals for a new audience to handle. With all of the hype and misinformation, this really has a pro wrestling vibe to it. Bad storylines, seemingly a predetermined ending, the eaters being physical “freaks of nature”, and controversy after controversy are all things that are out of the WWE.
I just want you all to know that I am completely impressed and happy for Joey as well as all of the eaters and they all did a fantastic job, I just hope that’s not the direction that things are headed.
Billy said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Here’s another shot which seems to suggest an obvious DQ
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5553931,00.jpg (from the front page of news.com.au)
As most sports evolve and gain popularity, they tend to harness technology to improve the game. They use electronic linesmen for the highest levels of tennis, numerous codes of football take advantage of video replays, perhaps this Nathan’s Famous event has reached a point where technology should step in?
I missed watching the event unfortunately (anyone got a youtube link?!?), but from what I’ve heard there was quite a bit of controversy regarding the final hot dog count, and the obvious reversal as shown in pictures and on TV.
It doesn’t have to be a ridiculously expensive exercise. I’m sure the IFOCE could simply ask a few of its members to act as cameramen with their handycams, and come the time when the events warrant video review, they simply retire, watch the videos, and come to a fair and correct decision. (or even use the vast resources of ESPN???)
I feel a little bit sorry for Pat Bertoletti, but moreso for Bob Shoudt and Chip Simpson who had the potential to walk away with $500 each if Takeru had’ve been DQ’d
But you’ve got to give credit to everyone who competed. A bunch of personal bests, and a world record. Next year sure is going to be something!
Mega Munch said
July 4, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Awesome event. What’s with the three mystery dogs? Will the IFOCE ever offer an explanation? Does it matter? Counting scraps on the plate? Were they counting scraps and then subtracting that total from the total HDBs that were on the plate to arrive at an assumed number that were eaten? Who knows.
To answer Shazam’s point about the reversal happening after the buzzer. It’s my understanding that an eater cannot reverse until AFTER the totals are counted and the winners are announced.
BB – If someone snubbed you, you should call them out on your new blunder blog.
mike landrich said (Registered July 4, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
A reversal is a DQ, even if it was “at the bell”. Besides, nothing should be allowed to be placed in the mouth at that point. I understand he is a legend, but the whole scene was a disgrace.
Anonymous said
July 4, 2007 @ 8:04 pm
B. Brian why do you cry so much?
Luther
Mega Munch said
July 4, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
That’ll teach me to only skim the comments before posting my own. I just read Original Hater’s thoughts as well as Billy’s and both raise great points about the need for more legitimate rulings, especially in nationally televised events like this. Three things stand out about the ending of this event which need to be addressed or explained: Koby’s alleged reversal, Koby’s blatant use of hands after the buzzer (even I, as a Koby fan, was yelling at the TV during that moment), and Joey’s mysterious three hot dog credit.
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 8:26 pm
Yahoo has posted a much more in depth video about the last minute. It shows Koby blowing chunks at the one second mark. George Shea is hollering at the end that you have 30 seconds to clear your mouth. You can see both Joey and Pat calling foul on Koby. The first foul they call is the clear reversal. The second foul they call is that Kiby is still putting more food in his mout 40 seconds after the contest is over.
Look at the video yourself. there is a timer at the botton to confirm that Koby did not clear his mouth until long past 40 seconds.
Also you might see why Joey’s count was wrong. The “bunnette” behind Joey was messing with her sign and going from 53 to 43 then back to 63. You can watch Joey stuff more hot dogs in his mouth and the ‘bunnette” did not chenge the numbers.
I agree that if LIZ was Joey’s BUNNETTE that the count would be correct. Maybe next time they can hire ‘models’ or as we call them in Las Vegas “exotic dancers”, that can count and pay attention in such a crucial moment?
Maybe someone lifted up a dollar bill and she was distracted? I know it’s cruel and I have friends who are exotic dancers so do not hate me for that.
Here is a link to that video on Yahoo.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=3252953
Pat and Joey both called it a DQ and they were right next to Koby.
The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)
July 4, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
This will be my last post here about this.
According to the AP Wire, Richard Shea has CONFIRMED that Koby had a reversal. Instead of a DQ they only gave him a partial deduction.
Here is a section of that AP Wire story.
——————
Once the contest ended, the runner-up suffered a reversal — competitive eating-speak for barfing — leading to a deduction from his final total. Kobayashi finished with 63 HDBs (hot dogs and buns eaten) in his best performance ever.
Competitors receive credit for anything in their mouths at the 12-minute mark, provided they can swallow it.
“Obviously, the last bit exited his mouth quite dramatically,” said Rich Shea of the International Federation of Competitive Eating. Kobayashi’s gastric distress was the only sour note in the tube-steak tussle, which aired nationally on ESPN
Anonymous said
July 4, 2007 @ 9:05 pm
So what are the actual rules for DQ? Is it allowed only if time has expired or only after the offical totals have been counted?
doughboy said (Registered June 9, 2007)
July 4, 2007 @ 9:36 pm
How much was deducted for the “reversal” and the late eating of the the stuff in his hand of Takeru Kobayashi ? His total stayed 63.
Original Hater said
July 4, 2007 @ 10:12 pm
I seem to recall the announcers, including Rich, discussing the rules and they did say any reversal is a dq. How then can they justify breaking their own rules? Not the best thing to do with a national audience and with all of the press coverage the event has/will receive. If you’re trying to build a fan base, telling them one thing then doing another is not a good way to go. What they should’ve done is allowed some extra time at the end of the event to do an interview or wrap-up instead of dumping right into the spelling bee. This would’ve given some closure to the event whether or not there was a question in judging. I realize it means starting the contest earlier, but might be something to try in the future. In general I just think it’s a bad pr move and a bad way to gain legitimacy with the whole world watching today.
INVADER said
July 4, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
Chirst. Almost 50 damn posts on this. Here’s another one.
So I just watched the contest on DVR and first and foremost congrats to all. Seriously awesome job to everyone that made the super BOWL of CE. Great performances.
Now I’m not going to sit and cover what appears to be “questionable” and “excused” in this contest. For those that recorded the contest, please look to the last :41 seconds to see what looks like the first of two problems for Kobay..I.E. first reversal.
Kobay is great and all but some got screwed so one could save face.
Just sayin’ folks….
Bronson Fan said
July 4, 2007 @ 10:57 pm
That is crap they changed the rules for Kobayashi he should be DQed!!!!
anonymous said
July 5, 2007 @ 12:33 am
Invader some consider you a poor mans aice version of tim janus or erik the red. You would have been a welcome addition to the IFOCE if you had decided on that move some time back.
The Sicilian said (Registered February 23, 2006)
July 5, 2007 @ 1:45 am
Ian, I totally saw the same thing, and scratched my head saying, “Hmmm, that looks a like a reversal too?!?!
Kevin Carr said
July 5, 2007 @ 2:48 am
Original Hater, you are correct. At the opening of the show, about 6 1/2 minutes into the hour, there is a chiron with the “Rules & Regulations” on it. The 4th rule down is:
“Automatic DQ for ‘Reversal of Fortune'”
I guess it should have read:
“Automatic DQ for ‘Reversal of Fortune’ unless you’re Kobayashi and then we’ll just bend the rules to protect your ego”
Rhonda Evans said
July 5, 2007 @ 7:48 am
I am actually happy to see the MYB back in America’s hands. I just didn’t think it would happen, but it did!
I have to admit that both Joey and Koby performed well above my highest expectations, especially Joey. I honestly didn’t think it was humanly possible for a human to consume mote than 55-57 dogs in 12 minutes. Joey has surprised me on the upside twice.
Do not underestimate Koby, however, assuming that Joey has begun a winning streak over him. Joey is now one for six against him, and won with Koby at something less than 100 percent.
(I also thought that Koby had a reversal, and he did, but it was not counted as one because it occurred simultaneously as the clock wound down to zero; watch the replay.)
On to another point, the way the event was covered, there really needs to be two or more HDB eating contests, one or more with the 10 – 15 table enders/mid-table eaters, and the second one with the two or three eaters with a legitimate chance of eating the most HDBs.
The way the contest was covered the other eaters who gave it their all were not noticed, and might have well not attended. There needs to be a BIG board for all to see that lists current totals for all eaters throughout the entire 12-minute period–not just a “leader board.”
Most other eaters are given no attention or credit throughout the entire contest. The best thing that was said about Sonya (by Rich Shea), for example, was that she was a beautiful lady. She might have well eaten 9 HDBs instead of 39. The personal bests and prior eating accomplishments that she and other eaters achieved were not noticed at all, except during the introductions.
Joey is really great, and great for the sport. He is, however, simply the flavor of the day, as determined by the magnitude of the (public attention given to) events he wins, what he does for the IFOCE. Witness the fact that Koby is even being pushed less, as a very biased George Shea has led cheers for Joey in both the last Krystals contest and this one.
Once Joey is used up, cashed in, and spit out, he will become another Sonya, tossed aside and forgotten, in favor of the new boy or girl, whoever that may be.
Mega Munch said
July 5, 2007 @ 8:38 am
I missed the first reversal the first time around, but caught it on YouTube. Interesting. Did you know that ESPN EDITED OUT the buzzer reversal during last night’s re-airing of the contest and, I assume, future re-airings! Crazy.
I also liked the footage of Eater X whistling. Something about it. I don’t know. I posted a screen cap of that oddly peaceful moment.
? said
July 5, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Hit the nail on the head!
http://www.blogspot.wingtut.com
Doesn't Get It said
July 5, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Watching the contest from home, and yes…saw TWO reversals. The first one, he stuffed the spew back in and ate it before it hit the table. The second one was the more dramatic at the end.
The more I see, the less I’m impressed. If an organization can’t make a set of rules that applies to ALL eaters, then something needs to be done. Of course, no one who benefits by the changeability of the rules will complain, only those who get the short end.
As for the Bunnettes…”professional models”?? Please. As for paying attention, there should have been a qualifying test.
Kevin Carr said
July 5, 2007 @ 10:48 am
Rhonda, if you don’t clear your mouth and reverse even when time is called, it should be counted as a reversal. That’s how rulings have been done in the past (e.g., Pat vs. Chip in tamales). What part of “automoatic dq” do people not understand???
Oh, and remember that it’s also illegal to keep eating after time is called – and Koby did that too.
Bottom line – Koby should have been DQ’d. There’s no two ways around it.
beautifulbrian said
July 5, 2007 @ 10:53 am
What really gets me is that at the beginning of last year they held a grilled cheese eating contest and Krazy Kev and i did this pickle exhibition and i was immediately DQ’d while i was winning for a few drops of pickle juice coming out of my nostril. Now of course i realize that contest means nothing in comparison to Nathans and my name means nothing in comparison to Kobe but the point im trying to make is that quick acting DQ calls on myself or when money is not on the line is almost the same as playing with fake money in vegas. No pressure on the judge . In Kobe’s case big money big media etc is on the line so they hesitate on calling what was such an obvious DQ(twice yet) on the greatest eater in the world. Kobe’s name strikes more fear in making a DQ call than anything else. Think about it ok!
Rhonda Evans said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Kevin I totally disagree with you. Anyway, the contest is over and that horse is laying on its side.
carey poehlmann said
July 5, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
Well then let me kick it, Rhonda. How about this, can the IFOCE draw up a list of rules, and put ’em in a book of some sort, so that everyone knows what the rules are? Maybe they already did this and I just don’t know because I am not in the IFOCE, does anyone have an official IFOCE rule book? Making them up as you go along is just not professional at all. And they wanted to work with the olympics? Not only should the reversal definition be defined, but the time restraints on how long after a contest should be clear also. Lastly, there should be a rock solid rule on clearing the mouth after the contest, and the consequences of not getting clear in time. All this should be posted before the contest.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
July 5, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
The rule as it has been explained to me, is that ANY reversal that happens Prior to the announcement of the winners will result in a DQ. I believe Mr Bertoletti had once felt the sting of this ruling in Tamales. It cost him several thousands of dollars so I am certain that he remembers it.
Now it has cost Pat several thousand again because it wasnt applied to Koby.
It should be noted that Koby failed to clear his mouth after the stuff, and removed a handful of wet bun more than a minute post-game. He then put it back in his mouth…thats a no-no.
Still I am in awe of him, and look forward to him bringing the challenge back to Joey. What an awesome day for CE!!!!
Rhonda Evans said
July 5, 2007 @ 12:36 pm
Carey that would be the right way to do things, that’s for sure, as it makes the “sport” seem more valid and less carnival-like. Maybe the rule book idea will come to fruition. However, you’re always going to have interpretation and subjectivity when you have human judges, and sometimes they will get it right; sometimes they won’t. That’s part of any sport, even when there’s instant replay, which there isn’t (officially, anyway) in CE.
Mega Munch said
July 5, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
A rule book would, well, rule! How and why has this not been done before?
A good reason why they haven’t done it yet is because the rules would suddenly become much more binding once they’re put onto paper (or at least web page).
carey poehlmann said
July 5, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
I have much experience with rule interpretation, from my years of playing billiards. and the better laid out the rules are in written form, the less problems occur. Even with all the rules written down I still see instances where people think they know rules that were never true in the first place. With that in mind, I could only imagine the problems that the IFOCE create with it’s eaters by not even having printed rules in the first place.
Rhonda, maybe after they print the rules, they establish instant replay also.
Original Hater said
July 5, 2007 @ 3:15 pm
Carey…whether or not an official rule book exists doesn’t bother me but the fact is that the visual was put on the screen and the announcers discussed it briefly. They then said at the end that it was a reversal but now his reversal is different than anyone else’s. I guess when you own the game you can decide what, when, where, and who get’s rules enforced.
Anonymous said
July 5, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
Okay this is crazy,I remember hearing before that if a eater has a reversal, as long as they eat it again (which is quite nasty) it doesn’t count against them. Anyways, Joey won (congrats to him) Koby got second. Get over it.
Jake from SF said
July 5, 2007 @ 7:01 pm
This would so NOT be an issue if there was no prize money this year. I mean it’s good Nathan’s (or I guess Heinz) finally are offering prize money to the eaters (besides the free trip) because with all the money Nathan’s profits off this PR, but because the money was initiated this year everyone is saying Kobe has cheated so and so out of money. Kobe didn’t cheat anyone out of anything. It sux that some of the eaters didn’t get paid, but the fact of the matter is that the correct winner was chosen. Joey won. No one would care whether Kobe got second or not if there was no money because in the past the only thing that mattered was who got 1st and who got the mustard yellow belt. Now money has made everyone Kobayashi haters. Its over. Kobe ate more than everyone except Joey. Even with the little spit up around the end of the clock he still ate more than Pat, Tim, Sonya, Bob and Chip. None of them have complained about the results. Joey won. Let’s be happy for Joey and every other eater who put on a show. At least Kobe showed up. He could have not competed because of his jaw and everyone would be ripping him for that. Lets look forward to Joey defending in 2008.
promobabii said (Registered July 5, 2007)
July 5, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
first of all…RELAX!!!
the damn contest is already over…geez…it doesnt matter to either one of you who are arguing about whether or not kobay gets a DQ or not…i mean i know its your opinions and all but its already over. deal with it next year.
second, GREAT WAY TO BRING BACK THE TITLE JOEY! especially on the fourth of july too. LOVED IT!!
third, i was there in the mosh pit looking up at kobay and my heart goes out to him. he was PALE and with his mother’s death earlier this year, it took real courage and bravery to come out to something like this. if it was me, i wouldn’t give a horse’s arrsse about any title. its just a contest to entertain people on our nation’s birthday so why is everyone so worked up over it? ITS JUST A CONTEST! NOT THE REST OF YOUR LIVES!
lastly, for all of the competitive eaters that posted on this, BOOHOO…you’re all crying for a DQ for kobay just cus you guys got DQ’ed but what does that do for you? GROW UP. you’d think that people who are in the field are GROWN but this just proves how GROWN you are.
just voiceing my opinion so people dont think im hating cus im not. im just saying GIVE IT A REST. ITS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL.
I'd rather not say said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
The fact that Kobe was not disqualified for obviously vomitting, just shows that the IFOCE really has no credibility. These guys are simply promoters and they know that DQing the great Kobiyashi is like ripping up their meal ticket for the next few years. Any other jabroni- no problem. But when it comes to the guys they lean on to promote their agenda- they can ‘look the other way’.
And they got you all thinking that CE is a sport. LOL.
Out of Shape Eater said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
If you’re the Shea Brothers, running a marketing company, which headline would you prefer – “American beats Kobyashi” or “Kobyashi dq’d, American wins”?
For the millions of people who are only going to read about the event and not actually watch it, I think I’d prefer the former. It creates a lot more rivalry in people’s minds if they don’t think Joey won because Koby booted. It’s an amazing story when the common person reads that “the Japanese guy” beat his old record by 9 and still got beaten by an American.
USA! USA! USA!
Kevin Carr said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:48 pm
Jake, actually it would still be an issue if there were no prize money. The fact that people were screwed out of cash winnings just adds insult to injury. And actually, Koby did cheat. He was eating after the buzzer. That’s cheating. It’s just sad that he wasn’t officially called on it.
There’s a lot at stake for eaters who often pay their own travel and take this very seriously. There’s a point chase up this year, and putting a false winner in second place screws that up.
True, Koby ate more. But he reversed. It doesn’t matter how much you eat. You have to keep it down. Even the great Kobayashi.
Kevin Carr said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:54 pm
promobabii… you need to relax, actually. You seem really angry in your post.
As for your comment about this just being a contest… well, it is. But it also impacts the sport of CE. It may be entertaining to the spectators, but when there’s money on the line, a points chase underway and the respectability of future contests, I think it is important. And without people crying foul about this sort of thing, it would go unnoticed.
And the reason I’ve referenced past contests is for historical record. Not to boo hoo about things. My whole point is you need to treat all contests and all competitors equally. If you’ve DQ’d dozens of eaters in past contests for violations equal to or even less than Kobayashi, that’s significant. How could it not be? That would be like saying that in the NBA championships we’re gonna allow LeBron James to travel because he’s so good. It just doesn’t wash.
Kevin Carr said
July 5, 2007 @ 11:55 pm
One final post tonight… I promise…
Out of Shape Eater. I think the headline would have still been “Chestnut beats Kobayashi.” Even if they counted the reversal, Joey was out front. Your suggested headline leading with Koby’s reversal would have been more likely if Koby was ahead the whole time and lost on a technicality.
carey poehlmann said
July 6, 2007 @ 7:21 am
I also have one more piece to add commenting on Promobabii’s comment and a few others.
When you say “Deal with it next year” you are obviously one of the ones that tunes in on the fourth to see the Nathan’s contest, but don’t realize that there are contests all the time, and so these problems are trying to be dealt with when it matters, which is right now.
Also, these eaters aren’t crying because THEY got DQ’ed before and think it isn’t fair, they are voicing their opinion because without set rules, any competition is less enjoyable. How do you make your way onto a site like this if you are just a one day a year fan? And do you realize that there is prize money involved?
Did you post all of that because you think you have a better understanding about life than ALL of these other people on this site, and didn’t think that maybe there is an actual validity to what is being said?
El Toro said
July 6, 2007 @ 8:46 am
I hate to say it but I think we’ve awakened a small GIANT!! KOBY WILL DESTROY JOEY IN KRYSTALS!! AGAIN!!!!! Those are easier to get down faster! The world will see something amazing come that day……….
SuperPaul said
July 6, 2007 @ 9:24 am
My only comment here – Great job, Joey – That belt looks great on you, and may be a great argument for placing you in the Best Dressed Eater list!!
And great job, Koby – no matter what happened in the last 15 seconds, to eat over 60 hot dogs?? That’s incredible…I had my wisdom teeth out last mouth, and they still hurt!!
Pat Bertoletti was the style superstar – the headband, the Nicky Hilton stuff…great!! Tim Brown in a brown suit – was that a Don Lerman tribute? And finally, Crazy Legs with the scarfs coming out of his mouth – another idea I should have come up with!!
the boy king said
July 6, 2007 @ 10:25 am
out of shape eater (savage) has a point…. i think the preferred headline was achieved by the sheas in the quick decision they had to make at the time.
K. Carr… you can’t assume what headline the media would use. it might have been 50/50…. but alot would’ve taken the “Kobayashi Vomits” route, with a picture on the front page. we must remember in the whole scheme of things, most people don’t give a crap wheter joey or koby wins… much like promobabii, they only tune in once a year.
CE’s biggest star vomitting would’ve been a bigger story than anyone but maybe Sonya winning (girl beats boys) but the sheas did a great job (and ESPN) of totally brushing it under the national rug.
Rhonda Evans said
July 6, 2007 @ 10:50 am
I agree with you El Toro!
Gentleman Joe said
July 6, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Did anyone besides me notice that the belt is entirely NEW?!
In the past it was practically a glorified weight lifting belt with “IHF” in the middle of it.
Except that it says Nathan’s on it now, it looks great & looks more like a professional type belt.
Rhonda Evans said
July 6, 2007 @ 11:59 am
I noticed that too Joe. That’s as it should be. Koby has earned the right to keep the one he has held for 6 years.
carey poehlmann said
July 6, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
The new belt was made in good old Latrobe Pa. Home of Rolling Rock beer. Can’t find that article, but here is a new one http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/s_515763.html
Rhonda Evans said
July 6, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
That’s a really interesting article Carey.
Lovelylady said
July 6, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Congratulations Joey!!!! Amazing comeback from last year, you broke the world record and brought the belt back to the USA!! Best of luck in all ur events.
Anonymous said
July 8, 2007 @ 2:21 am
For whatever reason, I dont feel very damned exuberant about the belt comin back to America. Kobys still the man.