Cricket
Drake Bets $750K on Royal Challengers Bengaluru Ahead of IPL 2025 Final: “Ee Sala Cup Namde!”
Global rap icon Drake has thrown his star power behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 Final, setting social media ablaze after announcing a jaw-dropping $750,000 bet on the franchise. The Canadian rapper has fully embraced the team’s now-iconic slogan, “Ee sala cup namde” — a Kannada phrase that translates to “This year, the cup is ours.”
RCB will face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the stadium Ahmedabad tonight in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated IPL finals in recent memory. With RCB aiming for their first-ever IPL title, and PBKS hungry for their second, the stakes are monumental.
Why Is Drake Supporting RCB?
Drake, known for his high-stakes sports wagers, revealed via Instagram that he’s placing a $750,000 bet on RCB. Should the Virat Kohli-led franchise lift the trophy, Drake stands to earn a payout of approximately $1.312 million.
The rapper’s bet instantly went viral, uniting cricket and hip-hop fans alike under the hashtag #DrakeRCB. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with reactions ranging from excitement to disbelief, with many wondering if Drake’s infamous “sports curse” will strike again — or be broken by Kohli and company.
RCB’s Long-Awaited Moment?
Tonight marks RCB’s fourth appearance in an IPL final, with their last heartbreak dating back to 2016. The team’s performance this season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, and guided by Kohli’s batting prowess, has ignited hopes of finally breaking their title drought.
The support from global names like Drake adds an extra layer of energy and visibility, drawing attention from audiences outside cricket’s traditional fan base. With RCB’s massive following and Drake’s international influence, the convergence of cultures has given this final a truly global flair.
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PBKS’ Comeback Story
Standing in RCB’s way is a resurgent Punjab Kings, led by former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer, who has had a redemption arc of his own. After being released by Kolkata Knight Riders despite leading them to an IPL title in 2024, Iyer was snapped up by PBKS for a whopping ₹26.75 crore, the second-highest amount ever paid for a player.
With Ricky Ponting as head coach and Iyer at the helm, PBKS has transformed their fortunes this season, defeating Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator to reach its first final in over a decade.
A Final Worth Millions—On and Off the Field
As cricket and celebrity culture collide, tonight’s IPL final is not just about the trophy — it’s about legacy, redemption, and high-stakes drama. Whether RCB finally gets their cup ‘Ee sala cup namde’ or PBKS spoils the party, one thing is sure: all eyes, including Drake’s, will be on Ahmedabad.
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