Takeru Kobayashi will compete against a team of five Chicago Now bloggers in an Italian beef eating contest in Chicago on Friday.

May 23, 2012 at 12:25 am by ojrifkin · More posts about:Chicago, Kobayashi (小林尊) | Permalink * Comments (20)

20 Comments »

  1. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 10:56 am

    Next week Kobayashi will be competiting against Onarga, Ill., Girl Scout Troop 569. Sad, from the top eater in the world to now eating against bloggers and doing a phony hot dog competition against MLE rejects who will compete for bus fare. If all goes according to the fabulous career strategy his people have set up for him, he should, like most washed up celebrities, be doing porn by next year — “Kobi Does Brooklyn.”

  2. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    May 23, 2012 @ 11:47 am

    Again, it’s ironic how pride, at least to a degree, precludes him from signing with MLE; yet, he seems to be willing to trade that value for any sort of publicity, which, when he was “The Tsunami,” was beneath him. I think it’s beneath him now!

    I actually feel sorry FOR Koby. It seems I (and surely many others) have way more respect for him than he seems to have for himself.

    He has no competition as an independent, and he’s trying to use exhibitions and challenges—-in essence, shadow box—-to fill that void. The more he does it, the sadder he looks and the sadder I feel for him.

    Competitive eating’s most elite royalty, is, in essence, becoming a royal flush … right down the toilet.

  3. Krystal Ball said

    May 23, 2012 @ 12:01 pm

    I somewhat agree. Kobi is an elite eater, right there with Joey and a touch better than Pat. If he was looking strictly for a pay check, he really should have stuck with MLE. I see Joey and Pat both over the $50K mark… there just isn’t that kind of money on the Indy scene. He would have got much more publicity sticking with MLE and going to 4 out of every 5 events like Joey does.

    On the flip side, if you look at it from the standpoint of being free to do what he wants (which is what he claims he’s all about), he’s starting to make the indy scene a little larger. Why a sponsor needs to shell out $5K-$8K right of the top to MLE just for an MC and the rights to have MLE eaters eat in their contest (Keep in mind MLE keeps the $5k-$8k fee themselves and doesn’t give any of that to the eaters) then shell out more for prize money to get a good draw of eaters, just seems ridiculous.

    I like what Kobi is doing for the sport, but the stunts he’s doing do seem beneath him… However didn’t Joey do the same type of stunt 2 years ago at Pepto sponsored event, Joey vs 4 regular folks in tacos (where he was mocked by some fat chick – you can see it on youtube) and him vs 4 in an ice cream contest…

  4. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 12:23 pm

    A major corporation like Pepto putting on demos and the money and benefits they can put up is no way comparable to Kobi going to minor league baseball games, setting up faux MLE competitions, and all around degrading events he has to take on now. Krystal, you are right about the money. The money he could of made with MLE far exceeds what he’s doing, not even counting the ick factor he’s currently facing of having to lower himself to these crappy events he now attends. It’s like the stars couldn’t of been worse for Kobi when he left MLE just when they started getting almost a competition every week. Kobi’s the only eater without a full time job, so he has the time to go to every contest, and can you imagine the money that he could of pulled in? I’m guessing at least a grand a week in prize money alone at MLE. Pat’s the number two eater and he’s already exceeded Joey in prize money, just due to the fact of the volume of the number of contests Pat participates in. Kobi could of done the same as Pat, but even on a larger scale since he could of went to every MLE event. And, Kobi’s cachet never would of been ruined, by getting arrested, lack of loyalty, and rooftop and now Crif Dogs shams, etc. so his marketability (commercials) would have been better.

  5. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    May 23, 2012 @ 12:53 pm

    When Koby moved to the US, I was sure the primary reason was to be close to the higher-paying MLE events, whereby he would have won, I suspect, at least 3/4 of all the events he attended—-minimum, and he would have pulled in second place winnings for those few he didn’t triumph in.

    A spread effect of that would be the likelihood that, given his name, popularity, and regularity with which he attends/wins so many events,against the best, prize monies would have likely increased—-the man’s a draw! Indeed, there’s a huge opportunity cost of Koby foregoing eating with MLE-ers.

    Of course, I’m not Koby, and who’s to put a price on personal freedom? Koby apparently has, and it is relatively priceLESS, I suppose.

  6. Krystal Ball said

    May 23, 2012 @ 12:59 pm

    Yuck,

    Was the pepto expo for charity or a paycheck for Joey? maybe Both? Is this event the same? Because if it is then I really don’t see the difference regardless of it being Pepto or the the Durham Bulls putting on the expo.

    I think the difference between your opinion on this whole Kobi and MLE thing is you clearly are one sided on team MLE, fuck Kobi. While I believe there is room for both MLE and Indy events, this just about Kobi and MLE, it’s about ALL eaters. What I don’t think is right is how MLE keeps probably 70% of all the money that comes in for these events and isnt spread out amoungst other eaters…

    Like somebody mentioned a little while ago, Pat and Joey have made over $50K in prize money this year… while another poster asked “what about the 6-10 eaters” or even “11-30″…

    OJ, is there a way you can find this stat quickly? Or does it need to be done manually?

  7. Anonymous said

    May 23, 2012 @ 1:19 pm

    $50,000 NOT THIS YEAR, but in the last 1 1/2 years. That dumb calendar hasn’t been reset.

  8. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 1:27 pm

    Krystal, with a company the size of Pepto, Joey’s “expo” events were most likely part of a substantial contract he earned out his Nathan’s victory. In addition, to what he earned from his Nathan’s win, Pepto product placement at the Nathan’s event, and subsequent demos against amateurs. The difference between Ascratch, Ill., Armadillos minor baseball team and multi-million dollar corporation is benefits, the guarantee of long term demo events, and, of course, more money. In addition, major corporations will do what they can and have the resources to do so to make sure their eater spokesperson are treated with as much dignity as possible since the eater will represent the company for a significant period. Since none of that corporate money is available to indies, even at Kobi’s level (see Crif Dog contest), I can guarantee to you that at all levels the amount of money made and benefits earned by MLE eaters is greater than independents on the whole. Stephanie’s a perfect example of this, a low MLE ranked eater, now a top ranke indie eater, who only really had an opportunity to make money was when she was MLE. Now she’s eating chicken salad for $500 and a possible bus ticket. Not MLE, just someone who knows the business.

  9. Krystal Ball said

    May 23, 2012 @ 2:13 pm

    Krystal, with a company the size of Pepto, Joey’s “expo” events were most likely part of a substantial contract he earned out his Nathan’s victory. In addition, to what he earned from his Nathan’s win, Pepto product placement at the Nathan’s event, and subsequent demos against amateurs. The difference between Ascratch, Ill., Armadillos minor baseball team and multi-million dollar corporation is benefits, the guarantee of long term demo events, and, of course, more money.

    ———————

    wasn’t it stated that Pepto hasn’t re-uped it’s contract with MLE? Didn’t Alka Seltzer also withdraw from MLE?

    also funny how you mention Koby doing Minor league events when

    http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4391086

    I wonder what brand of hot dogsthe San Jose Earthquake soccer team uses. Seriously, what kind?

  10. ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)

    May 23, 2012 @ 2:28 pm

    I have made lists of cash won in the calendar year & previous 12 months according to values in the database.

    http://eatfeats.com/total-cash-winnings-since-jan-1-2012-may-23-2011.html

  11. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 2:43 pm

    Krystal, yes Alka Seltzer withdrew years ago from MLE and then Krystal and CP stepped it up. Yes, Pepto didn’t re-up this year. Now MLE has Hooters. One company decides to reduce it’s advertising budget this during this economic lull and MLE is able to snag a pretty lucrative contests for all its eaters (trips to New York, qualifying money, substantial prize money, and pretty girls to boot). I wouldn’t be surprised if Hooters has also budgeted eating demos as well for the winner and other eaters. Not a bad deal. What’s your point? Are you just trying to underscore my point that independent eaters can’t even hope for any major corporate contests and benefits as proven when MLE lost a contract and those sponsors didn’t even consider indie eaters? If so, thanks and we agree that MLE is continually looking for new opportunities for its eaters. It’s too bad indies couldn’t organize such an organization to look out for them. But then you’d have to sign a loyalty contract with sponsors and Kobi don’t play that because he only cares about making money for himself. Yes, and MLE eaters often do other small events too, but those are just for fun, okayed by sponsors, and the enjoyment of a local eaters fan base. Kobi does only small events because that’s all he has.

  12. Anonymous said

    May 23, 2012 @ 2:59 pm

    Yuck – all it’s eaters? Seems like there is a pretty limited number of Hooters qualifiers, they’re in Goatsgonads Midwest and South, and unless you’re pretty confident you can win, why bother spending the travel money? The top ten will be in New York for Hooters; just a smaller subset of the Nathan’s crowd. Very few people outside of the top 15 on that list of money earned that OJ just created.

  13. Krystal Ball said

    May 23, 2012 @ 3:23 pm

    Anonymous said
    May 23, 2012 @ 2:59 pm

    Yuck – all it’s eaters? Seems like there is a pretty limited number of Hooters qualifiers, they’re in Goatsgonads Midwest and South, and unless you’re pretty confident you can win, why bother spending the travel money? The top ten will be in New York for Hooters; just a smaller subset of the Nathan’s crowd. Very few people outside of the top 15 on that list of money earned that OJ just created.

    —————–

    This 100%

    MLE looks for new sponsors for THEIR OWN livelyhood, not the eaters. The eaters that do benefit from these events are their golden children, every other eater pretty much gets the shaft or has to catch a break and upset the field in order to benefit.

    like mentioned above… Look at that cash prize chart, I don’t see many really talented people outside the top 15 on that list, however I do see quit a few indies and locals on that list with lesser talent. MLE takes care of their eaters INDEED!

    Yuck/Dodger, I know you’ll deny it but I’m 100% you are CLC, no other eater would defend MLE like that… and you have the balls to bring cake to cheese steak to celebrate a year not visiting this site. You’re just honest as in person as you are on the net and at the table! A total fraud!

  14. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 3:29 pm

    Anony 2:59 — Twenty or so MLE eaters will be at Nathan’s, I also forgot to mention that Nathan’s stepped it up for the lower ranked women eaters where they can now make prize money, a trip to New York and benefits too. Hooters is just icing on the cake later in the month. Fact — 10 or more MLE eaters will be making money in the month of July in New York. Fact — One independent eater will be making money in New York this year — Kobayashi. Where’s your outrage in the limited opportunities offered to the independent eaters through Kobi’s greediness? Or are you so blinded by Kobi Kool Aid that you actually believed Kobi left MLE because he wanted to be free of the evil MLE. Man you guys are so brainwashed by Kobi’s spin team I think you actually believe what you are writing. Kobi left MLE because he saw more money to be made by stealing it from the independent eating pot. Now, I believe Kobi’s logic was flawed because I think he could of made more money, and OJ’s stats show, with MLE. Yet, Kobi made the decision to leave, he’s now making all the indie money, and all the other independent eaters are suffering for it financially.

  15. Anonymous said

    May 23, 2012 @ 3:39 pm

    Yuck – I don’t give a rat’s ass about Kobi and his “taking money from the independents”, and it does piss me off when MLE makes special cases to get people to the finals. This year it’s Canadian eaters, whether they win the qualifier or not. The women’s division? Only about three could win a qualifier on their own, so removing them from the men’s table opens three spots, but it still leaves people at home that can do 20+ dogs while there are people in New York who ate 4 hot dogs to get there. Undeserved.

  16. Actually... said

    May 23, 2012 @ 3:53 pm

    I can only think of 2 women who can win a qualifier outright, who’s the 3rd? The womens division is good for the sport, so no complaints there. I do see though that this year there is only 12 qualifiers, when in years past there were 14-15 spots… So if there wasn’t already 4-5 male eaters who can do 20+ HDBS stuck at home, now there is gonna be 6-9.

    Fine and Dandy for the Women, considering there are what maybe 6 who can hit double digits, but come on, lets not take spots away from the mens table.

  17. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 4:03 pm

    Anony 3:39 — So Kobi stealing money from you doesn’t anger you but a made up army of Canadian eaters angers you? Wow, you need to look into that. A former figure skater, now upcoming improving competitive eater, great personality, Meridith Boxberger actually pisses you off? You got some anger issues. I’m not sure what other army of Canadians you’re referring to? So if the MLE creates more opportunities for lower ranked eaters, the MLE is evil. If the MLE creates, less opportunities for lower ranked eaters the MLE is evil. Man you indie guys are losing it and actually arguing against your own arguments now. I think they call that bipolarism. Now, here’s what you can do, why don’t you just admit it and say I want to be an MLE eater but I’m not good enough. Then look at the mirror and direct your anger in the proper direction. The women’s Nathan’s contest takes no opportunities away from the men’s contest and only creates more opportunities for everyone including those men who might not make money because Sonya would have beaten those men if she was competiting with the men. Now, if you don’t like girls that’s another issue that I can’t help you with, but I’m pretty sure there’s websites for that too. Good luck.

  18. Actually... said

    May 23, 2012 @ 4:23 pm

    Yuck –

    I didn’t say anything about the Canadian qualifier. I think it’s great they’re having one, as long as it doesn’t take away a spot for one of MLE’s eaters that you have said they look out for.

    I also didn’t say I had a problem with the womens division either, twice actually, but that was a pretty pathetic attempt to twist it that way, also nice try at taking shots at gay men… didn’t you just say it was pathetic people made comments about MLE’s stance on race and then you go right ahead and attack a persons sexual prefrence?

  19. Yuck said

    May 23, 2012 @ 4:50 pm

    Actually — How do you know I’m not gay? But sexual preferences have no place in competitive eating. I just don’t know what you have against the women at Nathan’s, since you were obviously looking to besmirch them by incorrectly saying that having a women’s contest takes away from opportunities for the men when that’s exactly the opposite of what is true. I’m glad you’re now comfortable with having a women’s contest now that I’ve straightened out your inaccurate beliefs. As for an American eater going to a Canadian qualifier, as far as I know we still have an open border with Canada, unless you’ve heard differently. So, if you’re American, go to Canada, eat hot dogs, win, and we’ll see you at Nathan’s on the Fourth.

  20. Anonymous said

    May 23, 2012 @ 5:07 pm

    They need three divisions. Men, Women, and Gay.

  21. tour du lich kavotravel said (Comment pending approval)

    August 16, 2020 @ 9:48 am

    Highly energetic blog, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?

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