This year, Fanatics Fest is set to return to New York City, bigger and better than ever. Last year's event drew over 70,000 fans who enjoyed interactions with top athletes and celebrities. This time around, sports enthusiasts have the chance to compete directly against professionals in a series of thrilling challenges. The grand prize for winning these contests is an impressive $2 million.
Additionally, participants will have opportunities to engage in various sporting activities such as quarterback skills, pitching accuracy, and more. To enter, fans must submit a creative video showcasing their talents and explaining why they should be chosen. Even if not placing in the top three, the highest-scoring participant will still win $100,000.
Revamped Event Structure: Competing Against Legends
This year’s edition of Fanatics Fest introduces the “Fanatics Games,” where 50 lucky fans will go head-to-head with professional athletes. These games offer substantial rewards including a Ferrari 812 GTS for second place and a LeBron James trading card valued at $250,000 for third place. Participants can expect to face off in diverse sporting challenges designed to test their abilities fully.
The revamped structure of Fanatics Fest aims to elevate fan engagement by allowing them unprecedented access to compete alongside some of the world's best athletes. Tom Brady, Kevin Durant, Russell Wilson, Rob Gronkowski, among others, will participate in events ranging from football skills to basketball shooting competitions. Furthermore, WWE superstars like Cody Rhodes and UFC fighters will add excitement through unique challenges. Fans are encouraged to submit videos demonstrating their skills on social media or via the Fanatics app using #FanaticsGames to secure their spot in this exclusive competition.
Enhanced Fan Experience: More Stars, More Fun
Beyond the competitive aspect, Fanatics Fest promises an enhanced experience for attendees. With hundreds of additional athletes and celebrities expected to attend, the event will feature expanded interactive zones offering fans closer access to their idols. Exclusive merchandise drops and collector meet-and-greets further enrich the festival atmosphere.
Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing back the festival, stating that the joy witnessed last year inspired them to create an even grander spectacle. Attendees can look forward to meeting not only legendary sports figures but also popular entertainers such as Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart. Moreover, the inclusion of new activities like soccer goal scoring and puck shooting ensures there’s something for everyone. By expanding the roster of participants and enhancing interactive elements, Fanatics Fest 2025 aims to deliver unforgettable memories for all involved.