Starbucks joins forces with MrBeast to power “Beast Games” season 2
From surprise prizes to a new Cannon Ball Starbucks Refreshers beverage, the partnership brings unexpected moments to thrill fans in coffeehouses nationwide and on-screen.
Starbucks and MrBeast are teaming up to wow fans with unexpected moments that will make fans – in coffeehouses nationwide and on-screen – go wild, timed with the release of the record-breaking competition show, “Beast Games: Strong vs. Smart” on Prime Video on Jan. 7.
Starbucks will be powering the competition throughout Season 2, which promises to be bigger, bolder, and more intense than ever. MrBeast has assembled 100 of the planet’s strongest competitors and 100 of the world’s smartest minds. “Strong vs. Smart” will battle for an eye-watering $5,000,000 prize. As players face off in the ultimate collision of brain and biceps, alliances will form and trust will break. Every challenge pushes the limits of human strength, intelligence and strategy.
Inside Beast City, contestants will have complimentary 24/7 access to a Starbucks, serving their favorite Starbucks drinks and food around the clock. Throughout the season of challenges, competitors can also look forward to surprise prizes from Starbucks, adding even more excitement to the game.
“The collaboration between Beast Games and Starbucks brings together two iconic communities loved worldwide,” said Tressie Lieberman, global chief brand officer at Starbucks. “When contestants saw Starbucks on set, they said it felt like home – and that’s exactly what we hoped to deliver. We are thrilled that fans can participate too, and they are in for a treat with the Cannon Ball – a barista-created drink that became an instant hit with contestants and even made its way into a challenge.”
“The Beast Games competitors pushed themselves to the limit on a daily basis, so we were excited that Starbucks was up for the challenge of powering the competition and helping our contestants recharge in Beast City,” said Beau Avril, Senior Vice President of Global Media and Partnerships at Beast Industries. “We can’t wait for fans everywhere to taste a little bit of the action with the new Cannon Ball Drink.”
In celebration of the launch of the second season of Beast Games, Starbucks Refreshers is getting “beastified” with the addition of the colorful new Cannon Ball Drink, created for fans of the show. The beverage is a bold, tart lemonade with Strawberry Açaí and Mango Dragonfruit Refreshers, topped with cascading fruit inclusions and served ice cold. Available for a limited time starting Jan. 14.
The beverage was inspired by and created on the set of season two and will be featured in the “Cannon Ball Challenge” in the Beast Games x Survivor crossover episode 204, which debuts on Jan. 14, the same day the Cannon Ball Drink will launch in Starbucks coffeehouses in the United States.
Starbucks baristas had the opportunity to craft the new Refreshers beverage where they sprinkle (or cannon ball!) the dried fruit pieces on top and then give the cup a swirl to create a fun ombré purple hue.
“My experience in Beast City was great,” said barista Litzy R. “It was a lot of fun, and I got to meet so many new partners (Starbucks employees/baristas). What stood out the most was how well everyone worked together, there was this sense of unity and flow. Everyone on set was focused, dedicated, and committed to making everything come together. [The contestants] really enjoyed the affirmations and decorations on the cups we gave them; we were cheering them on.”
The second season of Beast Games premieres on Jan. 7, 2026, with three episodes at launch, followed by weekly episodes ending in an epic season finale on Feb. 25.
Starbucks also recently made a surprise appearance in MrBeast’s 30 Days in the Sky challenge on YouTube, which dropped on Dec. 20. Josiah, a barista and Starbucks Global Coffee Creator, joined MrBeast for a sky-high Starbucks delivery to the contestant with their favorite beverage (a grande almond milk latte with sugar-free vanilla) and a chance to win a $50,000 Starbucks gift card.
Who is MrBeast?
Jimmy Donaldson is the creator behind the most subscribed YouTube channel in the world, MrBeast, with more than 454 million subscribers, over 1 billion followers across social platforms, and over 2 billion monthly views. He entertains and inspires a global audience through viral spectacles, engaging challenges and impressive giveaways, including millions of dollars in food and supplies for those in need.
