Editing Youppi! (section)

=== Denis Desaulniers (1979–1983) ===
Denis Desaulniers was the first to wear the costume following the shift from Souki to Youppi. Inspired by the popularity and irreverence of the San Diego Chicken, Desaulniers auditioned for and received the part at 25 years old. During his career as Youppi, Desaulniers strived to create a warm soul and fun-loving attitude for the character.

Desaulniers also introduced one of Youppi's most iconic moves: punching himself in the nose. He claims this was to stay in character while adjusting the head of the costume so he could see. Underneath the head of the mascot, he wore a motorcycle helmet with a thick layer of styrofoam to protect his head, which would cause the mascot's head to fall forward frequently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Godin |first=Marc Antoine |title=Before Youppi there was Souki, the Expos mascot that made children cry |url=https://theathletic.com/1886802/2020/06/23/before-youppi-there-was-souki-the-expos-mascot-that-made-children-cry/ |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref>