Kobayashi Accepts Invitation from 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar for July 4th Competition; Field Rounding Out with Patrick Bertoletti & Other Heavyweights

NEW YORK, June 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

What: July 4th Hot Dog Eating Madness, featuring Kobayashi.  
When: Friday, July 4th. Doors open 10am. Competition begins 1:00pm.    
Where: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar 230 FIFTH AVE, corner of 27th street on 5th Ave.      

In 2001, Takeru Kobayashi transformed the world of competitive eating by downing 50 hot dogs – smashing the previous record (25.5). Over the next decade, he would not only continue to set new precedents in eating feats, but also became a pop culture icon, even being immortalized with his own TOPPS trading card.       

In 2013, Kobayashi ate 67 hot dogs in 10 minutes. In 2011, he set a record by eating 69. In 2014, he and his July 4 competitors have decided to further revolutionize the sport by agreeing to test the elimination of the bun from the competition this year.

"I'm excited to see and hear what the fans think of this," Kobayashi said.       

New York bar 230 Fifth (www.230-­‐fifth.com) will not only host this year's competition on their iconic rooftop, but raised the game significantly, putting together a field of eaters with over 60 world records between them. Joining Kobayashi will be: 

Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, who finished 2013 ranked as the world's No. 2 eater. Bertoletti has more eating records (39) than anyone in the world, including blueberry pie, jalapenos, and waffles. His personal July 4 best is 55 hot dogs, established in 2009.       

Tim "Gravy" Brown, who set the record for baby back ribs in 2012 and has eaten in the last five July 4 contests at Coney Island.  

Jamie "The Bear" McDonald, who is widely considered one of the most exciting new eaters in the sport.       

Rounding out the field will be three other great competitors, Jesse Kanuka, Wayne Algenio, and Johnnie Excel.
 
"This is going to be one of the most exciting July 4 competitions in a long time," Kobayashi said. "Great location, so excited to have Bertoletti, The Bear is a threat...and all the other fantastic eaters."     

About 230 Fifth: 230 FIFTH is New York's largest outdoor Rooftop Garden and fully enclosed  Penthouse Lounge. With breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Open every day, 365 days of the year to the general public from 4:00PM - 4:00AM.      

SOURCE Management for Kobayashi