What Happened to Joseph Christian "Joey" Chestnut?

Joseph Christian "Joey" Chestnut, famously known as "Jaws," has cemented his legacy as the most dominant figure in competitive eating. His career began to gain significant traction in the mid-2000s, culminating in his first victory at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2007, where he dethroned six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi. This marked the beginning of an unprecedented reign, with Chestnut winning eight consecutive titles from 2007 to 2014.

Chestnut's dominance is attributed to a combination of natural ability, rigorous training, and mental fortitude. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of human consumption, setting a personal and world record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at the 2021 Nathan's contest. Beyond hot dogs, Chestnut holds an astounding 55 world records across various food categories, including chicken wings, tacos, and even pumpkin pie, showcasing his versatility and unparalleled skill.

A significant turning point in his career occurred in 2024 when Major League Eating (MLE), the organizing body for Nathan's, announced that Chestnut would not compete in the July 4th contest. This decision stemmed from a contract dispute, as Chestnut had signed a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, a plant-based hot dog brand, which Major League Eating deemed a rival to Nathan's. The ban sparked widespread discussion among fans and media. During his absence from Nathan's, Chestnut participated in a highly anticipated Netflix special in September 2024, "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," where he defeated Takeru Kobayashi by consuming 83 hot dogs and buns, setting a new record for that specific event.

Fences were mended, and Joey Chestnut made a triumphant return to the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2025, reclaiming his Mustard Belt by consuming 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, marking his 17th victory at the iconic event. His return was met with immense enthusiasm from fans, reaffirming his status as the face of the sport. In May 2026, Chestnut continued to expand his record collection by winning the Ultimate Bologna Showdown, devouring 16 pounds of smoked bologna in 8 minutes.

As of July 3, 2026, Joey Chestnut is confirmed to compete in the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th. This comes after a legal incident in March 2026 where he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge and was sentenced to 180 days of probation. However, a judge granted him permission to travel out of state, allowing him to participate in the contest. Major League Eating also stated that the incident did not violate their code of conduct. He is widely favored to win his 18th title.