Published on: June 12, 2026, at 09:13h.

Updated on: June 12, 2026, at 09:13h.

• Joey Chestnut is set to participate in the 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
• Chestnut required consent from his probation officer to join
• He is currently on probation for an incident involving slapping a man while intoxicated in an Indiana bar

Joey Chestnut, the titan of competitive eating, is gearing up to return to Coney Island this Independence Day for the renowned Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

For the last two decades, betting on Chestnut to win the annual July 4 hot dog eating competition has been a sure bet.

Chestnut has emerged victorious in 17 out of the last 19 contests, with his sole loss occurring in 2015 when Matt Stonie shocked the competitive eating world.

In addition to 2015, the only other time Chestnut missed the Nathan’s contest since 2006 was in 2024, due to a conflict arising from his promotion of plant-based Impossible Foods, leading to a ban. However, Chestnut and Major League Eating sorted their issues, allowing him to defend his title in 2025.

In 2025, Chestnut consumed 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. This was just shy of his record of 76 set in 2021, yet a remarkable 24 hot dogs ahead of runner-up Patrick Bertoletti.

His over/under betting line was set at 71.5.

Hot Dog Hotshot

There was uncertainty regarding Chestnut’s participation in next month’s Nathan’s event, but it wasn’t due to a potential conflict of interest. Instead, it stemmed from a recent incident involving the 42-year-old champion.

In May, Chestnut pleaded guilty to battery charges after an alleged incident where he slapped a man in a bar. According to an affidavit, a customer recognized him and approached him around 2 am.

Following a brief handshake, the accuser claimed Chestnut suddenly slapped him in the face. Security footage depicted the incident as he crouched, protecting his face, while Chestnut advanced.

Chestnut admitted to being “pretty drunk” and not recalling the event, suggesting the accuser may have provoked him, although he acknowledged his inebriation.

The defendant reported experiencing pain and injury to the left side of his face.

Probation Conditions

Chestnut was sentenced to 180 days of probation, lasting until October. However, he secured approval to travel to New York for the July 4 eating contest.

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. confirmed to Casino.org that Chestnut will participate.

“Champion eater Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island to aim for a new world record,” the organization stated.

Betting odds for the 2026 hot dog contest have yet to be announced. Oddsmakers typically wait until closer to the holiday to gauge interest. Prediction markets, like Kalshi, are also anticipated to offer options for betting on the results.