The most exciting Independence Day competition didn’t take place on an American baseball diamond or German soccer pitch, but on a boardwalk at Coney Island.

27-year old Takeru Kobayashi took home his 6th consecutive Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest title, woofing down a new world record 53 ¾ weiners in 12-minutes. Kobayashi, who normally dominates this event, had to fend off a stiff challenge from American Joey Chestnut. The home country hero actually led the competition most of the way before struggling over the last 3-minutes and falling just short at 52-dogs.

Describing the action doesn’t do it justice. You have to see these guys and gals (yes, gals…one ate 37) to appreciate it. I almost tossed my cookies watching them try to keep from tossing theirs. At one point, it was a race to see which would burst first…Chestnut’s stomach or the bulging vein in his forehead.

Kobayashi, meanwhile, continues climbing the list of great sports dynasties with his victory. He’s now tied with Lance Armstrong’s 6-consecutive Tour de France titles, leaving the great Yankees and Canadiens dynasties in the dust. Should he come back and do it again next year, the 160-pound Japanese native would equal the UCLA Bruins run of seven, with the Celtics 8-straight NBA titles the holy grail. The only opponent to ever beat Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest was a 1,000-pound Kodiak Bear.

Did you catch this event? I’ve seen them before and been mildly interested, but I must admit the drama of watching those two guys going at it side by side was amazing. Has anyone seen an eating exhibition like that anywhere else? And I’m not talking about me at a family cookout!