Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)one of the most followed and emotionally-backed franchises in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL)are on the cusp of achieving what has eluded them for nearly two decades, a maiden IPL title. As the 2025 final looms large, excitement has skyrocketed not only among cricket lovers in India but across the globe, thanks to an unexpected shoutout from Canadian rap sensation Drakewho has placed a jaw-dropping bet on RCB to win the coveted trophy.
Drake’s high-stakes entry into cricket betting
The Grammy-winning artist, who has made a name for himself in the world of sports betting, sent shockwaves through the internet after sharing a screenshot on his Instagram story showing his. INR 6.25 crore ($750,000),bet on Stake, a popular online crypto-based betting platform. The odds for an RCB victory were listed at 1.75, meaning Drake stands to earn INR 10.94 crore ($1.312 million) Rajat’s men lift the trophy against Punjab on June 3.
This move marks the second year in a row where Drake has actively participated in IPL betting. In 2024, he made headlines for placing his first-ever cricket bet, on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)who went on to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad and clinch the title, breaking what many believed to be his notorious ‘Drake Curse,’
Drake’s bet came with a bold caption that ignited Indian social media: “Ee Sala Cup Namde”, a Kannada phrase that translates to “This year, the cup is ours,” The slogan, long used by hopeful RCB fans, took on new life when echoed by an international celebrity. Drake also tagged Stakereinforcing his ongoing collaboration with the brand.
A final years in the making: RCB vs PBKS
The IPL 2025 Final, set at the mammoth Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, pits two franchises that have spent over 15 years chasing the same dream. Neither Bengaluru nor Punjab Kings has ever won an IPL title, and both come into this game with a hunger that’s unmatched.
RCB, led by a rejuvenated Rajat Patidar and powered by the evergreen Virat Kohli, have shown resilience and flair throughout the season. For Kohli, player No. 18 in the squad, this could be a storybook moment. After dedicating 17 seasons of unwavering commitment to the franchise, the stage is set for him to finally hoist the IPL trophy. On the other side, Shreyas Iyer, now captaining Punjab Kings after a successful stint with KKR, is chasing a unique record. Should PBKS win, Iyer will become the first player to captain and win IPL titles with two different teams, a feat unmatched in the tournament’s storied history.
The “Drake Curse”: Fact or fiction?
Over the years, fans and pundits have jokingly referred to the “Drake Curse”citing several instances where teams or athletes he supported ended up losing. In 2024 alone, apart from his successful KKR bet, he had placed hefty wagers on the Dallas Mavericks to win the NBA Finals and on the Edmonton Oilers to clinch the Stanley Cup. Both teams were eliminated, fueling belief in the superstition.
This has led to mixed reactions among RCB supporters. While many are thrilled to see their team receive global recognition, others are cautious—wondering whether Drake’s support will bring luck or doom. The IPL 2025 final is not just a showdown between two long-suffering franchises; it’s a clash that has drawn attention from millions of viewers across continents. Drake’s bet may be the headline grabber, but the real story is the possibility of redemption for RCB or a historic breakthrough for PBKS.
