Dan "Bass" (like the instrument, not the fish) Scibienski, a friend of the Yard, reporting from Coney Island. I successfully avoided traffic on the NJ Turnpike, The Staten Island Express Way, and the Belt Parkway by leaving Jersey way too early. When I arrived in Coney Island for my first barking assignment, I went in search of my press pass, generously procured by Jeff and Dewey of Yardbarker. A problem arose when I discovered that the press pass was being kept behind a gated area where I was unable to enter because I didn't have a press pass. Perfect. Using stealth and intelligence, I was ultimately able to overcome this conundrum and obtain the pass. With that in hand, I was able to get some behind the scenes footage and briefly talk to some competitors. Here's a synopsis of my day, along with some video. Enjoy!



I arrived at Coney Island at 10:00 AM, the corner of Stillwell and Surf Avenue. A slight morning rain had just ceased and left a haze, threatening a storm that never materialized during the 2008 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

The minutes displayed by the large, red numbers of the countdown timer continued to disappear as an estimated 35,000 people surrounded the stage anxiously waiting for the competition to begin.

There was one wedding proposal and brief impromptu ceremony performed by the event's MC who claimed to be recently ordained via the Internet.

There was Juliet Lee taking the Rookie of the Year prize.

There were two dancing hot dogs, nicknamed The Franksters.

There were the thirty judges adorned with referee stripes topped with a green and gold Nathan's cap. They were crowded shoulder to shoulder, facing the competitor area in the space dubbed the Splash Zone for its proximity to the messy eating that was soon to commence.

There was a blessing from a Rabbi.

But questions remained.

How would the newly imposed ten minute time limit affect the competitors? Could Joey "Jaws" Chestnut retain his title and again defeat the 6 time world champion, Takeru the "Tsunami" Kobayashi? What about an upset? Could Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti prove to be a threat? How about the diminutive 105-pound Sonya Thomas? Or would it be a duel of the top two hot dog eaters in the world?

The competitors prepared their spaces, pouring their water, lemonades and other beverages into the large Nathan's cups. The drinks would soften buns and lubricate throats to ease the quantities of frankfurters that loomed before them piled dozens high on cafeteria trays. The countdown began and the crowd chanted along.



The event began with a roar. Chants of "U.S.A." at times cut through the general buzz of the crowd. Chestnut took an early lead with an inhuman and impressive 10 hot dog-first minute while Bertoletti and Kobayashi recorded 8. Chestnut danced and hopped up and down hoping the jostling would expedite his already formidable digestive process. From there, Jaws set the pace leading Kobayashi who followed closely behind him. As the minutes ticked away, the Tsunami was undaunted by Chestnut's early advance. The flame colored hues of Kobeyashi's dyed hair appeared to have set him ablaze as he downed hot dog after hot dog with two-handed fervor.

At four minutes, Chestnut had devoured 30, Kobeyashi 29 and Bartoletti had disposed of 20.

Six minutes gone and Chestnut and Kobeyashi were locked at 40 with Bertoletti trailing them by 16.

With two minutes remaining, the Tsunami had demolished 49 hot dogs while Jaws had gulped down a total of 48.

One minute left, Kobeyashi had a two dog lead. The numbered flip chart behind him indicated 55. Chestnut marked 53. The crowd's strong support for Jaws seemed to inspire him, to energize him for the last 60 seconds.

And then it happened. Time expired with a cacophony from the crowd, soon dulled as the judges consulted with each other.

59 to 59.

A tie.

Chestnut and Kobayashi.

Sudden death. A shoot out:

The first competitor to eat five hot dogs would be crowned champion, proudly flaunting the Mustard Yellow Belt. In preparation for the final moments, Kobeyashi jumped numerous times like a prize-fighter, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. Chestnut stretched his arms above his head and massaged his abdomen hoping to coerce his stuffed stomach to accept a few more hot dogs.



Dunk. Devour. Drink. Repeat.

And then it ended. With his plate emptied, the champion exhaustedly pumped his right fist once and the judge raised his left hand. The fatigue evident on his face, Joey Chestnut leaned forward, placing his hands on the now vacant space before him. He had retained his belt by devouring 64 hot dogs, and perhaps begun a new era of dominance in competitive eating.



Thanks for reading.

- Dan Bass