The world loves a comeback story. And it seems that legendary competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi might be primed for one. After six consecutive victories at the Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, he was unseated by Joey Chestnut, and it got worse from there. He didn't participate in the 2010 event but showed up anyway, crashing the stage and getting arrested in the process. A year later, he staged his own, unsanctioned rooftop eating display. So maybe the road to recovery begins at the 3rd Annual West Coast Hot Dog-Eating Championship, which marks his return to competitive hot dog eating—though two-time reigning champion Thomas “Goose” Gilbert is back to defend his title, and surely primed to consume his fair share of wieners and buns. Festivities start at noon; contest starts at 6 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 5, noon, 2011
