What Is the Drake Curse?
The Drake Curse refers to the superstition that athletes or teams backed by Canadian rapper Drake are destined to fail. Whether he places a bet, appears in their jersey, or shows up ringside, defeat often follows soon after.
Jannik Sinner: The Latest Victim at the US Open 2025
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner became the latest victim of the curse. Ahead of the US Open men’s final, Drake staked big money on Sinner to beat Carlos Alcaraz.
Instead, Alcaraz dominated, winning in four sets (6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4). That gave the Spaniard his second Grand Slam of 2025, while Sinner also ends the year with two, making it an even split between the two rivals.
But the bigger talking point? Once again, Drake backed the wrong side.
Notable Athletes and Teams Affected by the Drake Curse
1. Serena Williams – US Open 2015
Serena was chasing a historic calendar-year Grand Slam when Drake supported her courtside. She shockingly lost in the semifinals.
2. Conor McGregor – UFC 229 (2018)
Drake walked McGregor to the octagon for his blockbuster fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor was submitted in round four.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide – College Football Playoff 2019
Drake appeared in Alabama gear before the title game. Clemson humiliated them in a 44–16 blowout.
4. Kentucky Wildcats – NCAA Basketball
Despite Drake’s long association with the program, Kentucky hasn’t won a national title during his era of fandom.
5. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – MLB Debut
After meeting Drake, the Blue Jays prospect went into an immediate slump at the plate.
6. UFC Fighters – Israel Adesanya, Aljamain Sterling, Sean Strickland
Drake’s betting slips on these fighters all ended in costly upsets.
7. Tyson Fury – 2024 Boxing Loss[1]
Drake bet on Fury to beat Oleksandr Usyk. Fury lost on points.
8. Duke Blue Devils – 2022 NCAA Final Four
Drake backed Duke, but they were upset by North Carolina.
9. Odell Beckham Jr. – Super Bowl LVI (2022)
Drake wagered on OBJ’s receiving yards, but the wideout left injured and missed the target.
10. Various Teams – NBA & NHL
From the Dallas Mavericks and Edmonton Oilers to his hometown Toronto Raptors (before 2019), several teams have failed under Drake’s spotlight.
Times When Drake Beat the Curse
To be fair, not all his bets flop. There have been a few wins:
• Kansas City Chiefs – Super Bowl victories brought Drake huge payouts.
• Alex Pereira (UFC) – Drake won over $500,000 after Pereira’s KO victory.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL 2025) – His cricket bet cashed in.
The Drake Curse: Fact or Meme?
Whether you believe in superstitions or not, the track record speaks for itself. From tennis to football to UFC, the “curse” keeps haunting athletes.
With Jannik Sinner’s loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open 2025, the myth only grows stronger.
So, here’s the question for fans: if Drake bets on your favorite athlete, would you feel confident—or cursed?
References
- ^ Tyson Fury – 2024 Boxing Loss (sportsration.com)