Collecting 101
Tom Brady, elite athletes face big challenge from collectors, fans in $2 million Fanatics Games
The sports collectibles hobby is not just about buying, selling and collecting trading cards. It’s also about competition as collectors bid against each other for coveted collectibles.
Fanatics is once again bringing an element of competition to Fanatics Fest NYC as sports fans and collectors can compete head-to-head against professional athletes and celebrities in a high-stakes, cross-sport competition for a $1 million grand prize.
Fanatics will bring back its popular Fanatics Games at Fanatics Fest 2026 July 16–19 at the Javits Center in New York City. This year’s games feature an expanded format, a $2 million total prize pool and new nationwide qualifying opportunities through an exclusive partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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The competition will feature 50 athletes and celebrities competing against 50 fans and collectors in scored events that blend athletic performance in an arena-like atmosphere. This year’s event is expected to be even more competitive with streamlined scoring, enhanced gameplay and a production experience built for both in-venue excitement and global livestream audiences.
The $1 million grand prize is open to all competitors, including athletes and fans. The top 10 finishers from 2025 are expected to compete again, including inaugural winner Tom Brady, runner-up UFC fighter Justin Gaethje and “fan champion” Matt Dennish, who finished third overall last year.
Joining Brady and Gaethje for a shot at the title are former NFL star Rob Gronkowski, NBA star James Harden and WWE Superstars Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso. Additional participants will be announced later.
As part of this year’s Games, fans can participate in an in-person qualifier where they can compete in sport-specific challenges tied directly to the 2026 format. The top three performers at each event earn a trip to New York to compete in the Fanatics Games. Qualifiers are being held at select DICK’S House of Sport locations across the country, including: Knoxville, Tenn. on May 9; Kennesaw, Ga. on May 30; Houston on June 13; and Boston on June 28,
Fans can also apply to compete by showcasing their skills through a video application process. Applications can be submitted via the Fanatics Games website or by posting a video to social media using #FanaticsGames.
The Fanatics Games competition features a multi-day live competition with a mix of challenges across such sports leagues as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, FIFA, WWE and UFC. Enhancements include simplified scoring and increased fan involvement. The overall winner will receive $1 million, with additional prizes for the top finishers.
“What made Fanatics Games special in year one was seeing fans and world-class athletes compete side by side under the same rules and feed off each other’s energy,” said Lance Fensterman, CEO of Fanatics Events. “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.”
Fanatics Fest, a cross-section of sports, culture and collecting, attracted more than 125,000 fans last year. The four-day event features exclusive apparel and collectibles, star-studded panels and live programming, autograph sessions, meet-and-greets and unique experiences from sports leagues, teams and brands.
