One Fanatics app user is $900,000 richer after winning the Fanatics 5 Jackpot, the brand’s new free-to-play game.
The game quickly became a fan favorite after debuting on the Fanatics app this summer. Its typical $250,000 grand prize quadrupled ahead of the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, offering an ultimate win of up to $1 million.
Then on Monday, July 15, Royden Hudson of Chattanooga, Tenn., made five correct predictions that turned out to be life-changing.
A $900K Jackpot in 4th Attempt at Fanatics Free-To-Play Contest
Royden Hudson, a Volkswagen assembly line worker from Tennessee, said he had only played Fanatics 5 Jackpot three times before. Then on just his fourth time playing, Hudson correctly predicted all five selections and hit the $900,000 jackpot.
“I won this life-changing money, and I am going to take my wife to Hawaii.” — Royden Hudson
In the Home Run Derby version of the Fanatics 5 Jackpot, players were tasked with predicting the outcome of five different head-to-head matchups between derby participants. Hudson correctly predicted the winners of four, along with the number of home runs each winner would record. For the fifth selection, Hudson correctly predicted the length of that final matchup winner’s longest home run.
Hudson Makes 5 Correct Selections for Fanatics 5 Jackpot Win
First, the 56-year-old predicted Marcell Ozuna to outscore Pete Alonso in the opening round and launch 16 to 18 home runs.
Hudson’s second selection saw Alec Bohm best Teoscar Hernández with 19-21 moonshots. For his third choice, he took José Ramírez over Bobby Witt Jr., predicting 19-21 HRs.
Hudson’s fourth selection hinged on Adolis García, who he predicted to outhit Gunnar Henderson with 16-18 dingers.
The fifth and final Fanatics 5 Jackpot question then asked Hudson to predict the length of Adolis García’s longest home run during the first round. Hudson estimated 440 feet or less, ultimately sealing his jackpot win. Garcia’s longest Round 1 home run totaled 435 feet, leading to a perfect set of Fanatics 5 Jackpot picks.
Hudson reflected on his big win, saying:
“I have enjoyed playing these new free-to-play games on the Fanatics app. I took a chance and went with my gut in selecting Adolis Garcia, and because he launched a 435-foot home run, I won this life-changing money, and I am going to take my wife to Hawaii.”
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin Congratulates Hudson in Video Call
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin congratulated Hudson on the substantial win via video call on Monday. At the time of the interview, Hudson said he was waiting to surprise his wife with the big news.
The news will indeed likely come as a surprise, as Hudson said the most he’d ever won on any game was $1,100 — a far cry from his latest $900,000 free-to-play win.
In fact, Hudson said he typically doesn’t gamble, bet on sports, or play lottery games. For him, playing this Fanatics free-to-play game was a way to have fun and test his knowledge during the Home Run Derby.
Free-To-Play Games Available on Fanatics App, Not Fanatics Sportsbook App
It bears reminding that Fanatics 5 Jackpot cannot be found within the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Rather, it exists as one of three new free-to-play games featured within the recently redesigned Fanatics app.
The game serves as the merchandising giant’s latest effort to engage customers in sports fandom and reward them for brand loyalty. Fanatics’ free-to-play games include:
- Fanatics 5 Daily: Make five correct sports predictions & win FanCash. Runs Mon-Fri, with a chance at up to $250K for a weekly win streak.
- Fanatics 5 Jackpot: Players have a shot at a jackpot of up to $250K each Saturday. Selections with longer odds have a chance at bigger rewards.
- Perfect 9: Tic-Tac-Toe meets bingo. Players place picks every Sunday for a chance to win up to $500K.
Now, Fanatics customers have the opportunity to win prizes and test their sports knowledge on the very same app where they shop for their favorite team apparel.
For offers on the betting platform, check out our review of the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Fanatics Users Must Be 21+ to Play
To play these games, customers must first download the Fanatics app on either iOS or Android. And if they haven’t already done so, users must also register for a Fanatics account.
Although anyone may download the app and sign up for an account, users must be at least 21 years old to participate in any of the free-to-play games.
In addition to these new games, Fanatics operates a sportsbook in 21 markets throughout the U.S. This includes Tennessee, where Hudson is located. And thanks to its acquisition of PointsBet in 2023, Fanatics Casino is now live in four states and counting.
The digital sports brand has been making quick work of its expansion efforts across the nation. Based on Roydon Hudson’s big jackpot win, Fanatics is expanding in a manner that’s especially enjoyable for sports fans.