Is Joey Chestnut competing in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest while on probation?

Joey Chestnut is synonymous with the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. He's won a whopping 17 Mustard Belts and owns the world record of 76 hot dogs and buns eaten over 10 minutes in 2021.

His status for this year's event has been in question, however. That's because Chestnut is currently on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery resulting in bodily injury on April 20. Chestnut got into the legal trouble after slapping a man in the face at a bar near his Westfield, Indiana home, resulting in 180 days of probation.

Since Chestnut is allowed to travel out of state, per the terms of his probation, he's able to participate in the Hot Dog Eating Contest. He's hoping to top his 70 ½ hot dogs and buns eaten in 2025.

Here's what we know about Chestnut's status for the 2026 Fourth of July event.

What time is Joey Chestnut eating?

The men's competition begins at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Has Joey Chestnut ever lost?

Chestnut has only lost the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest three times in his career. He fell to Takeru Kobayashi in 2005 and 2006, then Matt Stonie beat him in 2015. He's looking to win his 18th Mustard Belt today.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Joey Chestnut competing in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest while on probation?

Reporting by Wajih AlBaroudi, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 11:19 AM.