$100,000 at stake: how Conor McGregor’s bet on World Championship final helped attract new audience

One prediction, endless debate: How Conor McGregor could have won $3.6 million on the Globe Cup 2026 final

Ahead of the highly anticipated Globe Cup 2026 final, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted. While football analysts were breaking down the possible scenarios before the decisive clash between Spain and Argentina, social media posts from former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor stole the headlines.

The legendary fighter, who is also an ambassador for the global betting brand 1xBet, publicly placed a $100,000 bet on the reigning champions to win 3-2 in regular time at odds of 36. The potential payout stood at $3.6 million.

A single social media post quickly became a news story in its own right, generating attention on par with the biggest transfer rumors and tactical analyses.

Focus on the star's prediction

The final ended with Spain defeating Argentina in extra time. Luis de la Fuente's side controlled the game and consistently threatened the opposition's goal, while Argentina, for the first time in the history of tournament finals, failed to register a single shot on target.

What proved even more interesting, however, was that McGregor's prediction took on a life of its own after the final whistle.

The conversation was no longer focused solely on the match outcome but on the sheer boldness of the choice and the amount of the bet. That is how today's sports media landscape works.

The McGregor effect

With nearly 50 million Instagram followers, a reputation as one of the world's most recognizable sports figures, and a unique ability to stay in the spotlight, UFC superstar Conor McGregor has become someone who shapes the news cycle far beyond mixed martial arts.

Whenever McGregor shares an opinion, it sparks discussion, even when the topic has nothing to do with MMA.

The music industry has been familiar with this phenomenon, as global superstars regularly make headlines in sports media through partnerships with betting companies. Now, thanks to his collaboration with 1xBet, The Notorious is demonstrating an even greater level of influence.

Why it captures public attention

Major sporting tournaments have long ceased to exist solely on the football pitch. Memes, viral videos, celebrity reactions, and bold predictions create an additional layer of engagement, keeping audiences invested in the event and helping fans immerse themselves even more deeply in the story.

For partners, such cases are especially valuable. A single newsworthy moment can attract plenty of people who might never have visited the sports sections of news websites. That is why headline-making stories involving global stars have become an effective entry point for audience engagement, while the 1xPartners ecosystem helps transform that attention into tangible marketing opportunities.

Globe Cup 2026 crowned a new champion. Conor McGregor once again proved that one social media post is enough to put him at the center of the global conversation.