Top contenders to watch in the $1M Fanatics Games

Yahoo

6 hours ago

Fanatics is hosting its first-ever Fanatics Games at the 2025 Fanatics Fest, and the odds aren't exactly in favor of the collectors. While it would be a storybook moment to see a fan take down some of the greatest athletes of all time, collecting cardboard takes a very different mental and physical toll than playing professional sports — not to mention a different diet. The top prize is a staggering $1 million, with second place receiving a 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB, and third place walking away with a LeBron James rookie gold refractor card valued at approximately $250,000.
Before we get into who might win this thing, let's talk about who has absolutely no shot. This isn't a knock on the fans and collectors competing — it's a nod to the level of greatness involved in the event. There is a zero percent chance a collector or fan finishes anywhere near the podium. Call it a bold take if you want, but when the competitions include a three-point contest, QB accuracy challenge, and even a WWE-style entrance — and you're going up against the GOATs of their respective sports — the average Joe doesn't stand a chance.
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As for the celebrity pool? Let's be real — Druski, Kai Cenat, Gillie, Kevin Costner (legend, but he's 70), Sketch, and DJ Khaled aren't sniffing the top three either.
Now let's get to the sleepers — the under-the-radar names who could actually take this thing home. Yes, beat some of the greatest athletes of all time.
First up: IShowSpeed
Laugh all you want, but the kid is pure chaos in the best way. He's got the energy, the athleticism, and the unpredictability to shock the field. My top categories for him? Soccer and WWE entrance — he's built for spectacle, and this stage might be where he explodes.
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Second: Julian Edelman
He's not the biggest name in the lineup, but he might be the grittiest. A multi-sport athlete who thrives on pressure and wins off straight hustle. Don't let the retired dad look fool you — the man has rings for a reason. Never underestimate the heart of a champion.
And third: CJ Stroud
Now, some would argue he shouldn't even be on a sleeper list — he could flat-out win this thing. He's dangerous in anything involving a ball. But while his football and basketball skills are top-tier, I worry about how he'll stack up in the more offbeat events. Still, CJ is a competitor through and through. He won't go down easy.
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Now, here are the top five — based on purely theoretical odds. No sportsbooks, no analytics, just vibes, gut instinct, and a lot of common sense.
At -20,000: LeBron James.
The only thing stopping LeBron from winning this is if he decides not to try. Yes, he's 40 now — but he's still the greatest athlete of all time. The real question isn't if he'll win, it's how the Fanatics Games will impact his legacy. Some are already saying a win here gives him an edge over Jordan. If he pulls this off, it's another accolade to add to the GOAT debate — and one MJ will never have.
At -15,000: Tom Brady
Some might say these odds are too generous. Brady's a multi-sport monster — football, basketball, golf, even baseball — and he might just be the most competitive person in the entire event. And that's saying something. The man doesn't show up to participate, he shows up to win. It wouldn't shock me one bit if he walks away from this with $1 million and yet another trophy to stuff in that already overcrowded case.
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At -100: Travis Hunter
A steep drop from the top two, but make no mistake — Travis Hunter is built for this. Arguably the most athletic person in the entire competition, he already dominates on both sides of the football field. If there's any event that requires raw explosiveness or versatility, he's a serious threat. Honestly, if the Fanatics Games included bass fishing, his odds might be even better. Sleeper pick? Maybe. But don't be shocked if he finishes on top.
At +250: Peyton Manning
This one might raise some eyebrows — but don't sleep on the Sheriff. The Manning family tree is loaded with athleticism, and Peyton's skills go well beyond the gridiron. If he locks in on golf and football — which he absolutely should — he could be the surprise of the tournament. He may not be the youngest in the field, but don't be shocked if he schools the competition and leaves with more than just laughs. We might just witness an old man's masterclass.
At +300: Joe Burrow
Joey B might just be the best value pick in this entire theoretical odds game. Cool, calm, and unbothered by pressure — the man does everything with a quiet confidence and a little extra swagger. Don't be surprised if he casually drops top scores while looking like he barely broke a sweat. He's got the skills, the poise, and most importantly, the people behind him. The crowd will certainly be rooting for Joey Brrr.
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