Dave Portnoy’s Most Notable National Championship Bets
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, is known for placing large bets on sporting events. Here are some of his biggest wins and losses on National Championship games.
Dave Portnoy’s $600٫000 Bet on UConn Huskies
In a move that solidified his status as a risk-taker, Dave Portnoy placed a massive $600٫000 bet on the UConn Huskies to win the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Huskies٫ entering the tournament as a 4-seed٫ weren’t considered frontrunners by many analysts٫ making Portnoy’s wager even more audacious. However٫ his gamble paid off in a huge way. UConn dominated their opponents throughout the tournament٫ culminating in a decisive victory against San Diego State in the championship game. Portnoy’s bet٫ placed at +360 odds٫ earned him a staggering $2.76 million payout٫ marking one of the most significant sports betting wins by a public figure. This triumph went viral٫ further cementing Portnoy’s image as a bold gambler with a knack for defying the odds. He celebrated his victory in typical exuberant fashion٫ sharing his elation with his massive social media following and solidifying the UConn Huskies’ championship run as a defining moment in his personal betting history. The win served as a testament to Portnoy’s unwavering faith in his gut instincts and his willingness to go all-in on his convictions٫ even when they go against popular opinion.
Dave Portnoy’s $300,000 Bet on Scottie Scheffler
Fresh off his massive NCAA Tournament win, Dave Portnoy rode his wave of confidence into the 2023 Masters Tournament٫ placing a hefty $300٫000 bet on golfer Scottie Scheffler to don the coveted green jacket. At the time٫ Scheffler٫ ranked number one in the world٫ was a popular pick٫ but Portnoy’s wager٫ placed at +450 odds٫ still carried a significant risk. Undeterred٫ Portnoy’s gamble once again proved fruitful. Scheffler delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament٫ maintaining a steady lead and fending off a late charge by Rory McIlroy to secure his first Masters victory. Portnoy’s bet netted him a cool $1.35 million٫ adding another impressive chapter to his growing list of high-stakes wins. This victory٫ coming shortly after his UConn triumph٫ solidified Portnoy’s image as not just a casual bettor but a shrewd gambler capable of making calculated risks with large sums of money. The win also highlighted Portnoy’s ability to diversify his bets across different sports٫ demonstrating a keen eye for identifying potential winners across various disciplines. This particular win further fueled Portnoy’s public persona as a fearless bettor٫ further blurring the lines between entertainment and high-stakes gambling.
Dave Portnoy’s $200,000 Bet on the Philadelphia Phillies
In June 2023, following a rare losing streak that saw his beloved Edmonton Oilers fall short in the Stanley Cup Finals, Dave Portnoy aimed to rebound with a hefty $200,000 bet on the Philadelphia Phillies to win the 2023 World Series. At the time, the Phillies, while showing promise, were considered a long shot by many, with odds sitting at +600. Portnoy’s bet, a testament to his unwavering faith in his teams and his penchant for defying conventional wisdom, sparked significant buzz among both his followers and the sports betting community. This wager, placed just a few months after his back-to-back wins on UConn’s NCAA Championship run and Scottie Scheffler’s Masters victory, further solidified Portnoy’s image as a major player in the sports betting world. While the outcome of the 2023 World Series remains uncertain, Portnoy’s bold bet serves as a powerful reminder of his willingness to put his money where his mouth is, embracing significant risks for potentially even greater rewards. This particular wager encapsulates Portnoy’s unique approach to betting, one driven by a combination of passion, calculated risk-taking, and a knack for captivating an audience with his audacious wagers. Regardless of the final result, Portnoy’s $200,000 bet on the Phillies serves as a compelling narrative thread in the ongoing saga of his high-stakes gambling endeavors;
Dave Portnoy’s $180,000 Bet on Scottie Scheffler
In a move that surprised many, Dave Portnoy placed a massive $180,000 bet on Scottie Scheffler to win the 2023 Travelers Championship. This substantial wager came just days after Portnoy publicly revealed his recent melanoma diagnosis and surgery, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the bet. Despite facing personal health challenges, Portnoy remained undeterred in his pursuit of high-stakes gambling thrills. His decision to back Scheffler, a golfer known for his consistency and strong performances, demonstrated Portnoy’s continued belief in his ability to identify and capitalize on promising opportunities, even amidst personal adversity. This particular wager captured the attention of both the sports and betting worlds, as it intertwined Portnoy’s personal narrative with his unwavering passion for high-stakes gambling. While the outcome of the 2023 Travelers Championship ultimately fell short of Portnoy’s hopes, his willingness to place such a significant bet while navigating a personal health crisis underscored his unwavering commitment to the thrill of the gamble. This unwavering dedication to his betting endeavors, even in the face of personal obstacles, cemented Portnoy’s image as a larger-than-life figure in the realm of sports betting.
Dave Portnoy’s $150,000 Bet on the Edmonton Oilers
During the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Dave Portnoy, known for his bold betting moves, placed a hefty $150,000 wager on the Edmonton Oilers to clinch the championship. With the Oilers viewed as contenders but not clear favorites, the bet, placed at 7 to 1 odds, carried a tantalizing potential payout of $1.2 million. This wager reflected Portnoy’s confidence in the Oilers’ high-powered offense, led by Connor McDavid, a player widely considered the most talented in the world. The bet generated significant buzz within the hockey community, as fans and bettors alike followed the Oilers’ playoff run with heightened interest, knowing that Portnoy had a significant stake in the outcome. Despite a valiant effort, the Oilers’ Stanley Cup aspirations were cut short, falling to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers, in the Conference Finals. While this particular gamble did not yield the desired result, it exemplified Portnoy’s propensity for high-stakes wagers and his willingness to back his judgment with significant sums of money.