Sunday, July 02, 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, PinnacleSports.com 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, PinnacleSports.com 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 1/3 odds
(i.e., win $1 for every $3 bet) to capture the Mustard Yellow Championship
Belt for the sixth straight year. PinnacleSports.com 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
3/1. 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 21/1 has the third best odds to win this year's event.

"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 PinnacleSports.com. "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,
PinnacleSports.com 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 1/2 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.

PinnacleSports.com has also created unique match-ups between eaters
participating in this year's event.