Joey Chestnut's rival says winner of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest this year will have 'huge asterisk'

OutKick host Dan Dakich joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss his reaction to Chestnut's ban and Caitlin Clark being left off Team USA. 

The shocking ban of Joey Chestnut from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this year has sent his competition into a frenzy, with many backing the 16-time champion. 

That included Geoff Esper, the 2023 runner-up to Chestnut, who told TMZ Sports that the 2024 contest winner will have an asterisk next to their name because the reigning champion won’t be able to compete. 

"100% there’s gonna be a huge asterisk on that," Esper said. "Like two or three years ago, I said, ‘Well, even if I do win it because Joey’s not there, there’s gonna be an asterisk.’ I’ll admit that to anybody."

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Joey Chestnut, right, and Geoff Esper eat burritos during the World Burrito Eating Contest at the Beer Garden in Deer District in Milwaukee on April 6, 2023. (IMAGN)

Esper’s response just shows the respect the competitive eating community has for Chestnut, who is reportedly being barred after signing a deal with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan’s that recently launched a vegan wiener, per the New York Post. 

It’s also worth noting that the crowd present at Coney Island for the festivities, as well as those watching from home, watch the event because Chestnut is competing. 

"I don’t know what it’s going to be like this year without him there," Esper explained. "I was there the year he lost to Matt Stonie, and that was crazy. I think it’s going to be a totally different contest. He’s usually the last one introduced, he comes out, it’s a big show, and we have time to get ready. I don’t know what they are planning."

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