Crif Dog Classic 2012: Takeru Kobayashi Must Take on Joey Chestnut in 2013

Star of the inaugural Crif Dog Classic in Brooklyn, N.Y. this summer, Takeru Kobayashi must return to the stage of the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2013 to take on bitter rival Joey Chestnut.

Chestnut has now won six consecutive Nathan's Famous showdowns after consuming a record-tying 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at Wednesday's Fourth of July classic. 

Though Kobayashi was rumored to have eaten 69 hot dogs and buns, Chestnut is surpassing him as the most dominant and beloved eating champion. 

Kobayashi's rumored record was even called into question by Major League Eating president George Shea after it was reported by his camp in 2011:

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"The champion of the world is crowned in Coney Island. Always has been, always will be, [Kobayashi] put a tin crown on his head and called himself king."

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In order for Kobayashi to reclaim his throne atop the competitive eating mountain, he must man up and take on the best on the sport's biggest stage, which is of course the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. 

Without Kobayashi on board, the winner is a foregone conclusion year in and year out, and the legend of Chestnut grows with every victory. 

If Kobayashi hopes to remain relevant in the world of competitive eating, he will have to make a return to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2013, by whatever means necessary. 

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