Competitive eating legend Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning champion and 17-time winner of Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, is set to compete in the iconic July 4 spectacle despite being on probation for a misdemeanor battery charge.
Chestnut entered a guilty plea on April 20 and was subsequently sentenced to 180 days of probation in Hamilton County, Indiana. A judge has since granted him permission to travel outside the state, clearing the path for him to defend his coveted Mustard Belt on Coney Island this summer.
The incident leading to his probation involved accusations of Chestnut slapping a man across the face during a late-night out at an Indiana bar, as reported by Us Weekly.
When questioned by law enforcement, the competitive eating sensation reportedly stated he was intoxicated and could not recall the altercation. His attorney, Mario Massillamany, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Richard Shea, co-founder and president of Major League Eating, which oversees the Nathan’s Famous contest, confirmed to The Associated Press that the altercation would not impact Chestnut’s eligibility.
“This incident did not violate Major League Eating’s code of conduct, as it occurred outside any organizational event or activity and it was addressed by local authorities,” Shea stated.
Last year, Chestnut reclaimed his title by devouring 70 1/2 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, after missing the 2024 contest due to a temporary ban by Nathan’s over a competing sponsorship deal with plant-based meat company Impossible Foods.
He recently set a new world record by consuming 16 pounds of sausage in 8 minutes at the 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown in Tennessee.
