Mike Tyson Floors MrBeast in Vegas Stunt; N.C. Awards $15 Million for Beast Games

Lead: Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson knocked YouTube star MrBeast to his knees with a crushing body shot at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025, during a promotional stunt for Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford.

Nut Graf: The unexpected demonstration, organized by Riyadh Season, paired Tyson and Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson in a brief exhibition ahead of boxing’s marquee matchup, generating viral buzz and spotlighting MrBeast’s crossover appeal.

Promotion Stunt in Vegas

Mike Tyson, 59, invited MrBeast into the ring one hour before Canelo vs. Crawford to illustrate the power of a professional boxer. After a brief count-in, Tyson delivered a left hook to MrBeast’s midsection, sending the YouTube star gasping on one knee. Spectators and Saudi overseer Turki Alalshikh reacted with audible gasps as MrBeast-who boasts 435 million subscribers-struggled to rise.

“I’m taking one for the team-this is what a real punch feels like,” MrBeast quipped afterward, his voice still strained. Tyson’s demonstration underscored both the legacy of a boxing legend and the promotional savvy of MrBeast’s brand.

State Grants Power ‘Beast Games’ Season 2

On the same day, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a $15 million grant to film the second season of MrBeast’s reality competition series, Beast Games, in Pitt and New Hanover counties. The funding represents nearly half of the state’s $31 million annual entertainment incentives and supports production costs exceeding $100 million, including a $5 million prize pool for 1,000 contestants.

Stein praised the project’s economic impact on local businesses and suppliers, noting MrBeast’s Greenville roots and the show’s success on Amazon Prime Video. Season 1 of Beast Games drew 50 million unique viewers, making it the platform’s most-watched unscripted series.

Viral Impact and Brand Expansion

• The Tyson stunt generated over 100 million views across social platforms within hours, reinforcing MrBeast’s knack for blending philanthropy, entertainment, and high-stakes spectacles.
• MrBeast’s media empire-including Feastables, Lunchly, and his toy line-continues diversifying amidst a reported push into fintech and mobile services.
• The dual events highlight MrBeast’s ability to drive both online engagement and traditional production incentives, cementing his status at the intersection of digital and mainstream entertainment.