From Surprise Email to SI Beyond the Pitch: BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy Deliver a Dream Weekend

For 10 lucky winners, what started as an unexpected email turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience they’ll never forget.

The BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy World’s Game Sweepstakes gave 10 grand prize winners and their guests a trip to New York City capped off by VIP access to SI Beyond the Pitch, a VIP Event Series produced by Authentic Live and Medium Rare, one of the most anticipated events of the summer, the night before the World’s Game final between Argentina and Spain.

For two winners – Naveen of Richmond, Virginia, and Rachel of Nashville, Tennessee – the experience exceeded every expectation.

When Naveen received the email telling him he had won, he could hardly believe it.

“I was sitting in the garage watching a soccer game when I got the email,” he recalled. “I’ve never won anything like that, to be honest. It was almost too good to be true.”

Rachel had a similar reaction.

“I did not even believe it,” she said. “I have never won anything in my life. At first it was just shock. I’m still pinching myself today because I just can’t believe it. It was the best experience I could have asked for.”

From the moment they arrived, both winners were impressed by the level of hospitality and attention to detail.

“It was phenomenal,” Naveen said. “The way [BetMGM and Marriott] went above and beyond with all the attention to detail and everything – it was just unbelievable.”

Rachel was equally impressed by the personalized touches throughout the weekend. 

Because the trip coincided with her birthday, the team made sure the celebration felt extra special, especially at the Moxy Lower East Side, where the winners stayed.

“The communication was amazing,” she said. “They knew that I was celebrating my birthday, so when I got into the room there were balloons and a message on the mirror. The whole experience was just very thoughtful, and all the details they put into it were great.”

Prior to the SI Beyond the Pitch Party, the winners and their guests had dinner at L’Artusi Supper Club.

“The dinner was incredible,” Naveen said. “The food was so delicious. You could tell it was all homemade.”

Then it was time for the highlight of the weekend, which was at the historic Cipriani Wall Street.

“It is a beautiful space,” Rachel said. “It’s such a beautiful building and just the history there. It was magical. It was something right out of a TV show.”

The winners and their guests were able to walk the same red carpet and get photographed just like the celebrities that attended the party. Inside, they were treated to a special section where they received personalized BetMGM/Marriott jerseys and enjoyed the night, which was highlighted by a performance by 50 Cent.

For Naveen, seeing 50 Cent in person was a surreal moment.

“Seeing 50 Cent up close and personal—it was so crazy,” he said. “Everyone was so friendly, so welcoming.”

He also had the opportunity to meet sports icons Paul Pierce and Rob Gronkowski, even chatting with Pierce after scoring a goal in the makeshift soccer net that all guests could enjoy.

Rachel was equally amazed by the access.

“I got so close I could have touched 50 Cent,” she said. “It was just so, so cool.”

Even after returning home, her friends were still amazed by her experience.

“They’re like, ‘How did they let you be that close to celebrities?’ It was really cool,” she added.

From surprise emails and personalized hospitality to unforgettable celebrity encounters, the BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy World’s Game Sweepstakes created an experience that proved some prizes really are too good to be true – until they happen to you.