Judge Grants Joey Chestnut Permission To Compete In 2026 Hot Dog Eating Contest After Getting In Drunken Bar Fight

We've often wondered what's more American than the Nathan's hot dog eating championship held each year on the 4th of July on Coney Island.

Now I think we have our answer: Getting into a bar fight and being on probation while participating the 4th of July hot dog eating contest.

Joey Chestnut, the undisputed GOAT of competitive eating, will be on probation during this year's competition after being found guilty of misdemeanor battery for slapping a man in an Indiana bar.

I guess Joey is still sensitive about that whole vegan dog stunt, huh?

A judge has granted him permission to travel outside the state, allowing Chestnut to defend his title and the signature Mustard Belt on Coney Island this summer.

'It truly was just a misunderstanding,' [Chestnut's attorney Mario] Massillamany told The Associated Press. 'Joey understood that he wanted to accept responsibility for his actions, and he did.'

Slapping dudes in bars is now a misunderstanding.

But I guess it's nice that the judge was lenient. Because how in the world could we celebrate America's 250th birthday if the Hot Dog King wasn't allowed to scarf down an ungodly amount of glizzies in a most animalistic manner on ESPN?

It's a tradition unlike any other!

When police questioned Chestnut, he said he was drunk and did not remember the altercation, according to Us Weekly. Massillamany said that was 'taken out of context' and that Chestnut was nervous when speaking to officers before he had an attorney.

Richard Shea, the co-founder and president of Major League Eating, which oversees the Nathan's Famous contest, said the altercation did not affect Chestnut's competition 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 said.

The show must go on!