Takeru Kobayashi, often simply known as Kobayashi, is a Japanese competitive eater. He rose to fame in the early 2000s, revolutionizing the sport with his innovative techniques, most notably the "Solomon Method" for hot dogs, which involves breaking them in half and eating them simultaneously. He held the world record for hot dog eating for several years and continues to compete in various eating competitions, though often independently due to contract disputes. Beyond hot dogs, Kobayashi has also excelled in eating other foods like pizza, tacos, and meatballs, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer and legend in the world of competitive eating.