Fanatics is set to host an exciting skills-based competition at Fanatics Fest 2025, scheduled for June 20-22 in New York City, where fans will have the rare opportunity to go head-to-head against legendary athletes such as Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, and Alex Rodriguez. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, offering more than $2 million in prizes. The grand prize for the top competitor is a staggering $1 million in cash, while second place will be awarded a luxury Ferrari 812 GTS. The third-place finisher will receive a LeBron James collector’s card valued at $250,000. In the event that none of the fans secure a top-three finish, the highest-scoring fan will still take home a consolation prize of $100,000.
If a celebrity competitor claims the first place, they will receive the coveted seven-figure prize, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement. Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events, explained the vision behind the competition, highlighting the goal to create an electrifying environment where fans, athletes, and streamers can engage in a lively and fun atmosphere while showcasing their skills.
This marks the second annual Fanatics Fest after its successful debut last year, which attracted over 70,000 attendees. The inaugural event brought together major sports leagues, hundreds of current and former athletes, and featured autograph sessions, league activations, and a trading cards and collectibles show. This year, Fanatics aims to surpass last year’s success by targeting 100,000 attendees as it continues to expand its presence in sports marketing and fan engagement.
Fanatics, acquired by Michael Rubin in 2011 through the merger with GSI Commerce, has evolved from a simple sports e-commerce platform into a comprehensive sports entertainment ecosystem. Its offerings now include trading cards, sports memorabilia, live shopping experiences, sports betting, gaming, and an events business that serves to further deepen fan involvement. For Fanatics Fest 2025, fifty fans will be selected to compete against a star-studded lineup that includes comedian Kevin Hart, former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, NBA shooting guard James Harden, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
The competition itself will test participants across multiple sports disciplines, including Major League Baseball pitching accuracy, National Hockey League slapshot accuracy, National Football League passing accuracy, an NBA shooting contest, a FIFA goal-scoring challenge, and a golf contest. Fans interested in participating can apply by submitting a short video via the Fanatics app, giving them a chance to showcase their skills and be selected for this unique experience.
While Fanatics’ events division represents a smaller segment of the company’s overall business, which was last valued at $25 billion by insiders, the company views Fanatics Fest as a vital part of its brand-building strategy. Fensterman emphasized that the event generates strong positive sentiment by bringing together the entire sports ecosystem with the singular purpose of delighting fans and fostering community.
Overall, Fanatics Fest 2025 is poised to be a major highlight on the sports calendar, blending star power, fan participation, and substantial prizes to create an unforgettable experience that deepens connections between sports icons and their supporters.
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