In the realm of sports betting, Canadian rapper Drake is a familiar figure, often wagering on various sports, including boxing, tennis, and football.
Drake’s latest gamble, however, has drawn significant attention during the ongoing Copa America.
The Canadian rapper recently bet $300,000 (approximately 38.29 million Kenyan shillings) on his home team, Canada, to defeat the defending champions, Argentina, in the semi-finals.
This high-stakes wager was a bold move, with Drake expressing his hopes through a social media post captioned, “This could get Messi,” accompanied by a Canadian flag emoji.
Unfortunately for Drake, the match did not go as hoped. Canada was narrowly defeated by Argentina, losing 2-1 and consequently being eliminated from the tournament.
Had Canada triumphed, Drake stood to win $2.88 million, equivalent to 368 million Kenyan shillings.
Canada’s journey to the semi-finals was a pleasant surprise for many.
Under the guidance of head coach Jesse Marsch, the team entered the Copa America ranked 11th out of 16 teams according to FIFA rankings.
This marked Canada’s first-ever appearance at the Copa America, with the men’s national team aiming for its first major tournament title since winning the North American Nations Cup in 1990.
The semi-final clash was the second encounter between Canada and Argentina in the tournament.
Their first meeting in the group stage on June 20 resulted in a 2-0 defeat for Canada. Historically, the teams have faced off only once before, in a friendly match in 2010, where Argentina emerged victorious with a 5-0 win.
Drake’s venture into betting on Canada’s underdog status in the Copa America highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the high risks involved in gambling.
Despite the loss, Canada’s performance in the tournament has been commendable, showcasing their potential on an international stage.
Related: Drake’s father allowed to enter Canada for the first time in over 15 years
