Spain Claims World Cup Title, Leading to Millions in Crypto Losses for Drake and Other Bettors
The FIFA World Cup final, a quadrennial sporting spectacle, concluded yesterday, July 19, with Spain emerging victorious over Argentina. The highly anticipated match drew significant attention from gamblers, including Canadian rapper Drake, who wagered substantial sums. However, the outcome proved unfavorable for the musician and other bettors, resulting in millions of dollars in cryptocurrency losses.
As the final approached, anticipation mounted, and risk-takers like Drake placed considerable bets, hoping for both a favorable historical outcome and substantial financial gains. The rapper reportedly wagered $1.5 million in USDT on Argentina to win within the standard 90 minutes, including stoppage time. Argentina, considered the underdog, could have yielded Drake a payout exceeding $5 million in crypto had they secured the victory.
Ultimately, Drake’s bet did not pay off. Spain demonstrated superior performance throughout the match, controlling the game from start to finish. Despite a narrow 1-0 victory, achieved after a heroic 106-minute effort from Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Spain’s dominance was evident.
While it’s unlikely Spain’s performance was directly influenced by Drake’s wager, the incident highlights a recurring pattern often dubbed “the Drake Curse,” where teams and athletes he supports frequently face defeat. This phenomenon has led to widespread speculation among those who believe in superstitions.
This is not an isolated incident for the rapper. Earlier this month, Drake placed a $1 million Bitcoin (BTC) bet on Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon at UFC 329 in Las Vegas after a five-year hiatus. McGregor faced Max Holloway but lost in the first round, marking a disappointing comeback.
Drake was not the only significant loser due to Argentina’s inability to secure a consecutive World Cup title. Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported on a gambler who staked $1.23 million on Lionel Messi and his teammates to win the trophy when the odds were approximately 10%. A successful bet would have resulted in a profit well over $10 million.
Conversely, some astute bettors profited handsomely. One such individual, identified as a “whale” by Lookonchain, created a new wallet on Polymarket shortly before the final and wagered $1.95 million on Spain to win the championship at odds of 59.1%. According to Lookonchain, this bettor “won and made $1.35M in just a few hours.”
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