Controversy Reigns with Champion Hot Dog Eaters (VIDEO)

Did you ever think there would be a day when you would read a story about a controversy over who could shove the most hot dogs (and buns) into their mouths in 10 minutes? Did you ever think the people involved would be an average sized white guy and a thin Asian dude?

For much of the last century people have been gathering at Coney Island to watch contestants shove incredible numbers of hot dogs into their mouths. If you think about it, the idea is really quite disgusting, but for some reason we can't help but watch.

Over the last decade their have been two men that have made Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition must see TV. I'm talking about none other than Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chesnut. From 2001-06 the 5-foot 8-inch, 128 pound Kobayashi was the undisputed champ. Chestnut unseated him in '07 and has reigned supreme ever since.

This is where it gets dicey. Kobayashi has been banned from the Nathan's contest for refusing to sign a contract with Major League Eating. In order to still compete, Kobayashi started his own contest this year, the Crif Hot Dog Classic.

Here's the controversy: Chestnut tied Kobayashi's record by winning his sixth consecutive title at this year's Nathan's contest by eating 68 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes. In the Crif Classis Kobayashi ate 68 1/2. Since the Nathan's contest is the only one recognized by Major League Eating technically Chestnut reigns as champion still even though Kobayashi ate more.

So who is the real, undisputed champion hot dog eater here (does anyone else smell a Ben Stiller movie coming on here?)?