Canadian rapper and Grammy Award-winning artiste Drake has placed a massive $770,000 (over N1 billion) bet on Canada to defeat South Africa in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.
The award-winning musician revealed the wager on his social media accounts, posting a screenshot of the betting slip alongside a message explaining what prompted him to increase the amount.
“@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM. I had to raise my stakes,” Drake wrote, referring to internationally acclaimed South African DJ Black Coffee.
The bet was placed through online betting platform Stake, with Drake staking $770,000 on a Canadian victory.
According to the betting slip shared online, the wager carries a potential payout of $1,001,000 should Canada overcome South Africa and progress to the Round of 16.
The high-profile bet has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with supporters of both countries debating whether Drake’s backing will prove to be a good omen or revive the so-called “Drake curse” – a long-running superstition among sports fans that athletes or teams associated with the rapper often go on to lose.
Drake has become well known for placing large wagers on major sporting events through Stake, frequently sharing his bets with his millions of followers.
In recent years, he has staked millions of dollars on sporting contests, including $1.25 million on Argentina to defeat France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, a bet he lost after the match ended in a draw before Argentina prevailed on penalties.
He also wagered $500,000 on the Edmonton Oilers to win the 2024 Stanley Cup, a bet that failed when the Florida Panthers claimed the title.
Drake has similarly backed fighters and teams in UFC, boxing, NBA and NFL events with six- and seven-figure bets, producing mixed results.
Despite several high-profile losses, the rapper has also recorded notable wins. Earlier this year, he reportedly won more than $1 million after backing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, while previous successful wagers on UFC bouts have also earned him substantial returns.
Canada head into the Round of 32 clash hoping to continue their impressive World Cup campaign against a South African side that has emerged as one of Africa’s surprise packages at the tournament.
The winner of the encounter will secure a place in the Round of 16 as the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup enters its knockout phase.
(The Whistler)