Hot Dog Eating Champion Joey Chestnut Will Be on Probation During 2026 Nathan’s Competition

Joey Chestnut, the man who holds the world record for eating the most hot dogs in under 10 minutes, will be under more scrutiny than usual at this year’s competition as he competes while on probation.

The competitive eater has been sentenced to 180 days of probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge following a bar altercation in Indiana, according to Monday, May 18 report in Us Weekly.

Chestnut is known for competing every Fourth of July weekend in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest which takes place each year at New York City’s Coney Island.

Chestnut pleaded guilty to the charge last month, the report said. According to an affidavit, Chestnut allegedly struck another man in the face while at an Indiana bar in March.

Chestnut admitted he was “pretty drunk and didn’t remember” the incident, per the affidavit.

Cops also detailed the incident in court papers, claiming, per the outlet, “The accused pulled [the victim] forward, moves closer and uses his right hand to strike [the victim] on the face with an open hand. [The victim] is observed reacting to the strike and moving his head downward and holding it there while the accused stands over him and [his friend]. [Chestnut] moves toward [the victim] again and [the victim] moves away from the accused.”

Chestnut expressed regret for the incident in a statement via his attorneys, telling the outlet, “Joey regrets engaging and the interaction being misinterpreted. He strives to always connect in a fun manner with fans. In this case, some inappropriate things were said that Joey reacted to. He’s committed to avoiding being in those situations going forward.”

Chestnut has won a total of 17 Mustard Belts in the Nathan’s competition. Last year, he took home the belt after eating 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, according to the hot dog brand’s website. His personal record in the competition occurred in 2021 with a total of 76 hot dogs.