In 2001, when he won the first of his six mustard yellow belts at Coney Island, he downed 50 dogs in 12 minutes, doubling the previous world record. Though he's now ranked third among the world's top eaters, he is the competitive eating's living legend.
Hot Dog Legend Takeru Kobayashi
By Buck Wolf, About.com Guide
Takeru Kobayashi -- the Michael Jordan of competitive eating -- turned the Coney Island hot dog eating contest into a nationally televised July 4th tradition.
Takeru Kobayashi at the 2008 Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest.
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