Joey Chestnut is a name synonymous with competitive eating. The man known as “Jaws” has demolished records and appetites alike, securing his place as the greatest competitive eater in history. With 17 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest championships under his belt and over 50 world records across various foods, his professional life is an open book of astounding athleticism. However, when the plates are cleared and the mustard is wiped away, the personal life of this 42-year-old eating machine remains a subject of intense curiosity for fans worldwide.
Despite his fame, Chestnut has largely kept his private life out of the spotlight. The question on many minds is simple: Is the hot dog king married, and does he have a family? As of 2026, the answer is a definitive no to both. While his romantic history includes a high-profile engagement, his current relationship status is single, and he has no kids. This article dives into the details of Chestnut’s family background, his past relationships, and where he stands in 2026.
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A Look at His Family Roots
To understand the man, it helps to look at where he came from. Joseph Christian Chestnut was born on November 25, 1983, in Fulton County, Kentucky. However, he was raised in Vallejo, California, after his father, Merlin Chestnut, left the family when Joey was just two years old. He was brought up by his mother, Alicia Chestnut, alongside his five siblings in a modest household.
Tragically, Alicia passed away in 2022, just before Chestnut’s 15th Nathan’s win. After high school, Chestnut attended San Jose State University, earning a degree in construction management and working as an engineer before his competitive eating career took off.
The Dating History: From Engagement to Singlehood
Joey Chestnut’s most significant romantic relationship was with Neslie Ricasa, a fellow competitive eater. The two began dating in 2011 after meeting at a competitive eating event. Their relationship was a perfect pairing of two people who shared a passion for the sport.
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In a moment that perfectly encapsulated their unique love story, Chestnut proposed to Ricasa on stage at the Coney Island Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2014, right before he went on to win his eighth consecutive Mustard Belt. The couple planned to marry on May 9, 2015. However, just weeks before their scheduled wedding, they called off the engagement. Chestnut later attributed the split to his demanding travel and competition schedule, stating, “I definitely would say it was traveling. I was gone quite a bit. It was mutual. It just didn’t work”. Following the breakup, he was briefly linked to a woman named Brie, but that relationship did not last.
As of 2026, all indications are that Joey Chestnut remains unmarried and without a partner. His ex-fiancée, Neslie Ricasa, has since moved on and is now married to Drew Fly (or Ely) and has two children. For Chestnut, the focus appears to be singularly on his career. He is currently embracing singlehood and continues to shatter records, with his sights set on further cementing his legendary status as the undisputed king of competitive eating.
