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If you have ever screamed at the TV that you could make a throw better than the pros, it is time to put your money where your mouth is. The Fanatics Games are officially returning to the Javits Center in New York City from July 16-19, 2026.
This year, the stakes are double what they were previously, with a $2 million total prize pool up for grabs. This isn’t just a “watch from the sidelines” event; it is a full-blown invitation for 50 everyday fans to step into the arena and go head-to-head with 50 of the biggest legends in sports.
The $1 million grand prize: The GOAT is waiting
The beauty of this competition is the level playing field. Whether you are a Hall of Fame quarterback or a fan who excels at backyard challenges, the scoring system is the same for everyone. The overall winner walks away with a $1 million grand prize, while the remainder of the $2 million pool is split among the other top finishers.
The 2025 inaugural winner, Tom Brady, is expected to return to defend his title. He will be joined by the top 10 finishers from last year, including the runner-up and UFC powerhouse Justin Gaethje. Also returning is the reigning “fan champion,” Matt Dennish, the Philadelphia teacher who proved a regular person can hang with the greatest of all time.
Where every league joins the party
The athlete roster for 2026 is already looking like a sports fan’s fever dream. Joining Brady and Gaethje are stars like Rob Gronkowski and the NBA’s James Harden. From the squared circle, WWE Superstars Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and Liv Morgan are jumping into the mix.
The challenges span every major league, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WWE, and UFC, as well as FIFA. Organizers have streamlined the scoring and enhanced the gameplay to ensure high energy for both the live crowd and the global livestream audience.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: Your ticket to NYC
Fanatics has teamed with Dick’s Sporting Goods to create a physical path to the finals. For the first time, fans can attend in-person qualifiers at select House of Sport locations. Top performers at these sport-specific challenges can earn a trip straight to New York:
- Knoxville, TN: May 9
- Kennesaw, GA: May 30
- Houston, TX: June 13
- Boston, MA: June 28
The top three performers from each location receive a ticket to compete on the big stage. Those who cannot attend a qualifier can still submit a video application via the Fanatics Games website or social media using #FanaticsGames.
Why 2026 is breaking every record
Fanatics Fest NYC is expanding to four days this year after drawing more than 125,000 fans in 2025. According to Fanatics Events CEO Lance Fensterman, the magic of this event is the shared energy between fans and world-class athletes.
“What made Fanatics Games special in year one was seeing fans and world-class athletes compete side by side under the same rules,” Fensterman said.
“In 2026, we’re expanding that competition and giving more fans across the country a direct path to earn their spot. The stakes are higher, the format is sharper, and the games are only getting bigger.”
Beyond the competition, the festival serves as the physical hub for the Fanatics ecosystem—a place where fans can seamlessly bridge the worlds of sports betting, high-end collecting, and exclusive apparel. This year, the “regular fans” might just be the ones walking away with the million-dollar check.
