Hot Dog Contest Vet Geoff Esper Says Win Would Have Asterisk If Chestnut Not Competing

Joey Chestnut‘s absence from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest would have a significant affect on whoever finally ends up profitable the occasion this yr … so says 2023 runner-up Geoff Esper, who tells TMZ Sports activities the victory can be tainted if it is not over Jaws.

We caught up with the aggressive eater — and new favourite to win the Fourth of July occasion — shortly after the information of Chestnut’s standing broke … and whereas the 16-time mustard belt champion’s omission helps his odds, he understands folks would not be almost as impressed if Joey ain’t there.

“100% there’s gonna be a huge asterisk on that,” he mentioned. “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.”

Esper is aware of Jaws’ affect goes far past the outcomes … noting Joey’s function in getting the group into the festivities on Independence Day.

“I don’t know what it’s going to be like this year without him there,” Esper mentioned. “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.”

Whereas some of us on-line are saying the occasion will not be the identical — and others have mentioned they will not watch it in any respect with out Chestnut — Esper thinks the entire scenario would possibly truly make for a extra aggressive end with the remainder of the sector.

“I think it might be even more exciting this year because of how close the four of us are to the winning number,” he mentioned. “The winning number is not going to be in the 70s, but it might come down to the last second.”

“The ten minutes might be up, and you might not even know who won because they gotta count the plates and look at the debris,” he added. “I’m definitely going to be way more nervous.”

As we beforehand reported, the entire situation between Main League Consuming and Chestnut stems from an endorsement deal he inked with a plant-based meals firm … with the org. saying it was a blatant violation.

Chestnut later got here out and mentioned he was free to do no matter he wished … and was gutted over MLE’s choice to keep him out of the contest.