Joey Chestnut's shocking ban from Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest this year has sent his competition into a frenzy, with many rallying behind the 16-time champion.
That included Geoff Esper, the 2023 runner-up to Chestnut, who told TMZ Sports that the winner of the 2024 contest will have an asterisk next to his name because the reigning champion won't be able to compete.
“There will 100% be a huge asterisk on that,” Esper said. “Two or three years ago I said, 'Well, even if I win because Joey's not there, there's going to be an asterisk.' I'll admit that to anyone.”
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Joey Chestnut, right, and Geoff Esper eat burritos during the World Burrito Eating Contest at the Beer Garden in the Deer District in Milwaukee on April 6, 2023. (IMAGE)
Esper's response only shows the respect the competitive eating community has for Chestnut, who is reportedly being banned after signing a deal with Impossible Foods, a rival of Nathan's that recently launched a vegan sausage, according to the New York Post.
It's also worth noting that the crowds in attendance at Coney Island for the festivities, as well as those watching at home, are watching the event because Chestnut is competing.
“I don't know what this year will be like without him there,” Esper explained. “I was there the year he lost to Matt Stonie, and it was crazy. I think it's going to be a totally different competition. He's usually the last one introduced, he comes out, it's a great show, and we have time to get him ready. I don't know what they are planning”.
JOEY CHESTNUT BREAKS SILENCE AFTER LEARNING HE CAN'T COMPETE IN THE 2024 HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
The only caveat to keeping Chestnut out of the field? The contest is totally up for grabs and Esper believes he could go all the way.
“I think this year could be even more exciting because of how close the four of us are to the winning number,” he explained. “The winning number won't be 70, but it could go down to the last second.”
Esper added that this year he will be more nervous than usual.
Major League Eating issued a statement regarding Chestnut's exclusion from the contest.
“We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand selling plant-based hot dogs rather than compete in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” the MLE said in a statement. .
Joey Chestnut covers his mouth during the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest on July 4, 2019, in Coney Island, New York. (AP Photo/Sarah Stier, File)
MLE also noted that it allowed Chestnut to participate in a competition that rivals Nathan's on Labor Day, which will air on Netflix. Chestnut was reportedly paid $200,000 for appearing in last year's competition, and was offered a four-year, $1.2 million contract.
However, he decided to promote Impossible Foods.
“MLE and Nathan's went above and beyond to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival off-brand hot dog eating contest on Labor Day,” the league continued.
“Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him in the famous Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
Impossible Foods stepped in.
Competitive eater Joey Chestnut poses with his mustard yellow championship belt during a game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Ball State Cardinals at Sanford Stadium on September 9, 2023, in Athens, Georgia. (Brandon Sloter/Sports Image/Getty Images)
“We love Joey and support him in any contest he chooses,” the company said. “It's okay to experiment with a new dog. Carnivores shouldn't have to limit themselves to just one sausage.”
Chestnut, who ate 62 hot dogs, including buns, last year to defend his title, would later break his silence on the matter.
“I was discouraged to learn from the media that after 19 years I am [sic] banned from the Nathan's 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest,” Chestnut wrote. “I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans from all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title .
“To make things clear, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from previous years in regards to other partners I can work with. Apparently this is the basis on which I am being banned and does not affect the 4th of July event.
“Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive great fans of the usual holiday joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love and appreciate you. Rest assured, you'll see me eat. Again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!”
Joey Chestnut attends a weigh-in ceremony before Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 3, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
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Chestnut is considered the greatest of all time in competitive eating, as he holds many other world records in the sport. He has won all of Nathan's contests since 2007 except one, which Esper mentioned with Stonie in 2015.
Chestnut holds the world record with 76 hot dogs and buns consumed, which came in 2021.
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