17-Time Champ Joey Chestnut Cleared to Compete at Nathan's Contest Following Misdemeanor Battery Plea

Joey Chestnut will be back at Coney Island on July 4 to defend his title and look to win another Mustard Belt.

The legendary competitive eater, who has won the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest 17 times, has been granted permission to compete after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge and being placed on probation.

Chestnut was accused of slapping a man on the face during a night out in Indiana, and pleaded guilty on April 20, being sentenced to 180 days of probation in Hamilton County.

"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," his team told US Weekly after his plea.

A judge permitted him to leave the state to defend his title this summer.

There was also a question about whether he would be allowed to compete, but Richard Shea, the co-founder and president of Major League Eating, cleared all that up.

"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 said.

And with that, fans are excited to see Chestnut back in action.

"Joey Chestnut is the greatest athlete of our time…. About to see the glizzy champion in full action!" one person shared.

"Joey Chestnut competing in the hot dog eating contest on probation is the most American thing ever," another person wrote.

"The greatest athlete of our generation… about to see GREATNESS!" someone commented.

Chestnut won last year's competition by eating 70½ hot dogs in 10 minutes. He was forced to miss the 2024 contest after Nathan's banned him due to an endorsement deal he signed with a plant-based meat company.

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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 9:37 AM.