Takeru Kobayashi 1/4 favorite in hot dog eating contest

[Kevin]

PINNACLESPORTS.COM RELEASES ODDS ON NATHAN’S FAMOUS
FOURTH OF JULY HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
Kobayashi Overwhelming Favorite To Win Sixth Straight Mustard Yellow Belt

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO (June 30, 2006)—The ultimate contest pitting man
against frankfurter, Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog
Eating Contest has been a staple on America’s birthday since 1916. With
the “Super Bowl of competitive eating” only days away, Pinnacle Sports
today released odds on the world’s most famous eating contest and lists
reigning five-time champion, Takeru Kobayashi as an overwhelming favorite
to successfully defend his title.

The largest sportsbook on the Internet, Pinnacle Sports has expanded
its sports betting menu into the competitive eating arena by posting
several betting options on the most intense 12 minutes of eating to be
witnessed this year. The greatest eater in history and world record holder
at the Nathan’s event, Takeru Kobayashi has been installed as an
overwhelming favorite at 1/4 odds (i.e., win $1 for every $4 bet) to
capture the Mustard Yellow Championship Belt for the sixth straight year.

Pinnacle Sports believes Joey Chestnut, who devoured 50 hot dogs in
qualifying, will present the biggest challenge to Kobayashi, listing him
with the second best odds to win the contest at 4/1. Sonya Thomas may
appear slight in stature, but proved her bite is bigger than her bark with
a second place finish in 2005 by devouring 37 dogs, and at 13/1 has the
third best odds to win this year’s event. Meanwhile, Chip Simpson who
finished 38 dogs in qualifying, is a 36/1 underdog to win the Nathan’s
contest.

“When people discuss individual dominance in sports they usually mention
Lance Armstrong’s seven Tour de France titles or Tiger Woods’ 10 major
championships, but Kobayashi’s consecutive win streak at Coney Island is
equally impressive,” said Simon Noble of Pinnacle.. “Although
Joey Chestnut is having an amazing year on the competitive eating circuit
and set a new American record with 50 hot dogs, it’s unlikely he’ll be
able to unseat the great Kobayashi. Champions respond under pressure, and
like Jordan and Elway before him, Kobayashi is the most clutch performer
in eating history.”

In addition to calculating odds on who’ll win the contest,
Pinnacle Sports has created several other betting options on the
world’s most prestigious eating competition. Although the oddsmakers favor
the winner consuming at least 50 hot dogs and buns at 5/8 odds, they
believe Kobayashi’s world record of 53 ½ frankfurters will be safe for at
least another year, listing a new standard being set as a 9/4 underdog.
Bettors may also wager on unique over/under lines on the number of hot
dogs the three favorites will eat in this year’s contest. The over/under
line for Kobayashi’s total has been set at 50 hot dogs and buns, while
Chestnut’s total is 45 and Thomas’ has been set at 37.

Pinnacle Sports has also created unique match-ups between eaters
participating in this year’s event. For a complete list of odds, please
visit the “competitive eating” section at www.pinnaclesports.com.

Current Odds: *All Odds Subject To Change*

Odds To Win Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Takeru Kobayashi 1/4
Joey Chestnut 4/1
Sonya Thomas 13/1
Chip Simpson 36/1
Patrick Bertoletti 100/1
Bob Shoudt 100/1
Rich LeFevre 100/1
Brian Subich 150/1
Tim Janus 150/1
Eric Booker 150/1
Ed Jarvis 150/1
Any Other Eater 14/1

Will The Record Of 53.5 Hot Dogs Be Broken?
No 2/5
Yes 9/4

Will The Winner Eat At Least 50 Hot Dogs?
Yes 5/8
No 3/2

Total Hot Dogs Eaten By Kobayashi
Over 50 hot dogs 10/13
Under 50 hot dogs 6/5

Total Hot Dogs Eaten By Chestnut
Over 45 hot dogs 5/8
Under 45 hot dogs 3/2

Total Hot Dogs Eaten By Thomas
Over 37 hot dogs 5/6
Under 37 hot dogs 11/10

[The War Dogs]

I think he can win it again. He's dominated in the past and his experience gives him a good advantage. I still want to look into the exact buns that will be used but I think it's safe to go with Koby at minimal risk.

[Stifler's Mom]

Betting on hot dog eating contests?

Man, and people were getting on Flyers Fan for betting on chicks softball....LOL