Rapper Drake lost a $1.5 million USDT bet on Argentina after Spain defeated the South American team 1-0 in the World Cup final on July 19. The wager, placed through crypto casino Stake at +245 odds, would have returned approximately $5.175 million if Argentina had won. Spain's Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 39 seconds into the second half of extra time, after Argentina was reduced to ten men by a red card in second-half stoppage time. The match generated $4.28 billion in volume on Polymarket's World Cup winner contract alone, with Spain priced at 59 cents per share before kickoff, reflecting the European team's status as the clear favorite on crypto prediction markets.
Spain Defeats Argentina 1-0 in Extra Time
Drake shared the betting slip with his 140 million-plus Instagram followers ahead of the final. A win inside regulation or extra time would have yielded a profit of approximately $3.67 million. Spain dominated much of the match but could not break through Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez until the game turned in second-half stoppage time. Argentina received a red card, reducing the team to ten men. Ferran Torres then scored 39 seconds into the second half of extra time, securing Spain's 1-0 victory and its second World Cup title.
Polymarket Whale Profits $1.35 Million on Spain Bet
Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain identified significant onchain betting activity surrounding the final. One whale created a fresh wallet ten hours before the match and bet $1.95 million on Spain at 59.1% odds, earning a $1.35 million profit. On the opposing side, a gambler known as gud.hl staked $1.23 million on Argentina when the odds were just 10%, chasing a potential $12.35 million payout. That bet resulted in a total loss. The tournament registered a $5.5 billion wagering frenzy heading into the final, with celebrities including Drake and Conor McGregor making their predictions public.
Drake Records 36.8% Win Rate Across 87 Tracked Bets
Drake has placed 87 tracked public bets since February 2022, wagering $38.72 million and collecting $37.17 million in returns. This represents a net loss of $1.56 million at a 36.8% win rate, with an average stake of $445,080. Since April 30, 2024, his public bets have lost $5.7 million, including $1.67 million on soccer alone. The pattern has been referred to as the "Drake curse," in which teams he backs frequently lose. Argentina and Lionel Messi, who rated among the final's poorest performers according to ESPN, became the latest examples of this trend.
FAQ
What bet did Drake place on the World Cup final on July 19?
Drake bet $1.5 million USDT on Argentina to beat Spain at +245 odds through crypto casino Stake. The wager would have returned approximately $5.175 million if Argentina had won.
How did Spain win the World Cup final against Argentina?
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after Ferran Torres scored 39 seconds into the second half of extra time. Argentina had been reduced to ten men by a red card in second-half stoppage time.
What is Drake's overall betting record on tracked public wagers?
Drake has placed 87 tracked public bets since February 2022, wagering $38.72 million and collecting $37.17 million in returns. This equals a net loss of $1.56 million at a 36.8% win rate, with his public bets losing $5.7 million since April 30, 2024.
