Competitive eating legend Takeru Kobayashi – six-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion – has announced his retirement from the sport.
Joey CastanhaThe longtime opponent of Revealed the news in the Netflix documentary, “Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut”… saying he is ready to focus on his well-being and repair the damage he has done to his body in last two decades. .
Kobayashi rose to fame after winning his first 4th of July contest in 2001… and went on to win the mustard belt five more times.
Chestnut dethroned the Japanese standout in 2007… and the two would have epic battles in the following years.
But it all came to a screeching halt in 2010…when Kobi reportedly found himself in a contract dispute with Major League Eating. He participated in that year’s famous hot dog eating contest as a spectator… and was arrested after taking the stage at the end of the event.
He continued to show off his wild eating conquests over the next few years…but never returned for a rematch with Jaws.
Kobi explained his decision… saying he lost his appetite and the ability to even smell food – which was a wake-up call for him to make drastic lifestyle changes.
He said… “I want to live a long and healthy life, so I’ve decided to quit competitive eating contests.”