Joey Chestnut Cleared to Defend Nathan’s Hot Dog Title on Probation

Joey Chestnut will defend his title at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4 while serving probation.

Chestnut pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge on April 20 and received a 180-day probation sentence in Hamilton County, Indiana. A judge granted him permission to travel out of state for the event, which he has won 17 times, including last year.

Chestnut was accused of slapping a man at an Indiana bar around 2 a.m. on March 21. He told authorities he had been drinking and did not recall the incident. The man said he recognized Chestnut, shook his hand, and was then struck on the left side of his face.

An affidavit described the contact as nonconsensual and said Chestnut used provocative language. Chestnut’s attorney, Mario Massillamany, said his client took full responsibility for the misunderstanding.

Chestnut is seeking his 18th title in his last 19 attempts. Nathan’s had banned him from the 2024 contest after he signed a sponsorship deal with rival Impossible Foods, but the two sides reached an agreement for this year’s event.

Chestnut ate 70.5 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute contest last year. He is also coming off a win in the 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown in Tennessee, where he set a world record by eating 16 pounds of sausage in eight minutes.