The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election culminated in a surprising victory for Donald Trump, leaving many who bet on Kamala Harris facing significant financial losses.
Notably, prominent figures in the betting community, including popular streamers, anonymous high-stakes gamblers, and even former politicians, experienced substantial setbacks.
One of the most high-profile losses came from Félix “xQc” Lengyel, a renowned Twitch streamer. Known for his gaming prowess and substantial online following, xQc ventured into political betting with a $700,000 wager on Harris securing the presidency.
THIS BETTER HIT LMFAO, THE ODDS WERE TOO GOOD I HAD TO. DONT GET IT TWISTED 🇺🇸🦅
— xQc (@xQc) November 4, 2024
PS: DONT GET MAD I CANT EVEN VOTE IM CANADIAN pic.twitter.com/X2tECDEU8M
In a notable instance from the political sphere, former UK Cabinet minister Rory Stewart faced significant financial loss due to his bet on Harris’s victory. Stewart, who had been vocal about his support for Harris, placed a substantial wager anticipating her win. Following the election results, he admitted to “massive wishful thinking” and expressed his disappointment over the outcome.
For the record – I was completely wrong about Kamala Harris. It is heartbreaking that Trump is now the President.
— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) November 6, 2024
While there are some heavy losses, some bettors reaped significant rewards from Trump’s victory. An anonymous gambler, known only by the username “Fredi9999,” earned around $16 million by betting on Trump’s success on the polymarket.
This individual had consistently placed large bets on Trump throughout the campaign, ultimately capitalizing on the election’s outcome.
A well-known streamer Adin Ross placed a $1 million bet on Trump’s victory, resulting in a $600,000 profit.
Ross, who has a history of engaging in high-stakes bets, expressed his confidence in Trump’s success prior to the election, stating, “Trump 2024. I put a million on the boss.”
Trump 2024. I put a million on the boss. I know he’s gonna secure it for America. The only presidential candidate that’s fit right for this country. 🇺🇸
— adin (@adinross) November 5, 2024
I’ll be giving away $10,000 to 10 people who like this tweet and reply with a form of payment. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TataVKwoTP
The election highlighted the inherent risks of wagering on political outcomes, underscoring both the unpredictable nature of politics and the high stakes of betting markets. For winners, it was a thrilling payday, but for others, a sobering reminder of how fortunes can turn overnight.