The IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has taken an unexpected turn, thanks to global rap sensation Drake. Known for his chart-topping hits and flamboyant lifestyle, the Canadian rapper has stirred up the cricket world by placing a staggering ₹6.4 crore bet on RCB to lift their maiden IPL trophy. The high-voltage clash is set to unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3.
Drake’s bet was placed via the crypto-betting platform Stake, a site he frequently uses for his high-stakes wagers. If RCB goes on to win the final, the rapper stands to pocket a whopping ₹11.23 crore in returns. The move has triggered a mix of excitement, curiosity, and apprehension, especially among Indian fans who are all too familiar with the notorious “Drake Curse.”
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For the uninitiated, the “Drake Curse” refers to an odd yet persistent trend where athletes or teams publicly backed by Drake often end up on the losing side. What began as a running joke on social media turned into a full-blown sports superstition after several sporting icons — including Serena Williams, Conor McGregor, and clubs like PSG — suffered shock defeats after interactions with the rapper.
Interestingly, Drake isn’t the only music star emotionally (and financially) invested in the IPL 2025 final. Punjabi rap star Karan Aujla, in support of his home team, Punjab Kings, has placed a bet of ₹3.1 crore. If Shreyas Iyer’s side goes all the way, Aujla is expected to earn close to ₹5.92 crore. This celebrity face-off has added an extra layer of intrigue to what was already a highly anticipated final.
The debate over the Drake Curse is a curious blend of pop culture, sports fandom, and betting folklore. While there’s no real logic to back the “curse,” its legacy continues, especially as Drake’s bets become more public and high-profile. Fans have reached a point where some even bet against the teams Drake supports, just to be safe.
It’s not so much about belief as it is about avoiding jinxes and playing the odds. In India, such high-profile betting is a grey area. While the Public Gambling Act of 1867 prohibits physical gambling houses, it doesn’t directly regulate online betting, creating a murky legal space.
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Some states like Goa and Sikkim allow regulated betting, while others like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have banned it outright. Despite the ambiguity, international platforms like Stake remain accessible to most Indian users. As RCB aims to break their IPL title drought and Punjab Kings look to script their own fairytale ending, the stakes have never been higher — both on and off the field.
