Joey Chestnut's legal troubles apparently won't keep him away from Coney Island this summer.
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Nathan's Famous and Major League Eating announced that Chestnut is officially set to return for the 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, where he will once again attempt to add to his legendary resume.
The announcement comes just weeks after Chestnut pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor battery counts stemming from a March incident in Indiana.
As FanBuzz previously reported, court records showed Chestnut received probation after the altercation. At the time, questions quickly surfaced about whether the incident could affect his participation in this year's competition.
Those questions appear to have been answered.
According to a news release issued by Nathan's Famous and Major League Eating, Chestnut will return to Coney Island on July 4 in pursuit of another Mustard Belt and potentially a new world record.
Chestnut reclaimed the men's title last year after consuming 70.5 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. His all-time record remains 76.
"Champion eater Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island to seek a new world record," organizers said in the announcement.
The 41-year-old remains the biggest name in competitive eating and has become synonymous with the annual Fourth of July event after winning the contest 17 times.
The women's competition will again feature reigning champion Miki Sudo, who captured last year's title with 33 hot dogs and buns. Her world record stands at 51.
The event will take place July 4 at Nathan's Famous flagship restaurant in Coney Island and will once again be televised by ESPN.
