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Omaha beckons for college baseball's magnificent eight. Traditions are expected to run rife in the next two weeks. Fables will swirl across the Omaha dirt, some pertaining to the on-field action, others paying homage to off-field customs.
Fans are certain to play an important role in cultivating an atmosphere in the Gateway to the West. One way they can pursue those means? Ingest a copious amount of alcohol, of course.
The College World Series' return sparked another high-profile homecoming, with Rocco's Pizza and Cantina set to open its doors for the latest iteration of the Jell-O Shot Challenge.
So, which side will win out when there isn't a droplet left of alcohol-infused sweetness? It's anyone's guess, but it should prove captivating, if nothing else.
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With that, the Sporting News keeps you updated on all things Jell-O Shot Challenge in 2025, from the contest's live leaderboard to its history.
Rocco's Jell-O Shot Challenge updated leaderboard
As of the night of Monday, June 16, LSU's fans are well in the lead in terms of Jell-O shots. The Tigers' representatives are up to 17,746 shots, which more than 10,000 more than the next-best fanbase, Murray State (7,293).
Some people are Callin' Baton Rouge, some are calling the Hogs, and some are calling for bail money. @LSUbaseball is in the driver's seat now! #cws2025 #roadtoroccos pic.twitter.com/mX4OHr2a0d
— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 15, 2025MORE: Who is in the College World Series? Teams, odds & bracket for 2025 NCAA baseball tournament
What is Rocco's Jell-O Shot Challenge?
The College World Series draws thousands of parishioners into its hallowed halls. Those above the age of 21 can take part in a Jell-O shot contest to determine which fanbase has the strongest liver.
Participants flock to Rocco's Pizza and Cantina, one of Omaha's most noteworthy eateries. Sporting the colors of their beloved team, they imbibe all the Jell-O shots their body desires before the end of the tournament.
The tradition dates back to 2011. Florida and South Carolina clashed in the national championship and a flight of Gators and Gamecocks enthusiasts congregated at Rocco's. After bargaining with management, Florida and South Carolina fans received their own unique shots, manager Pat McEvoy told ESPN. After attending a piano bar – and seeing Creighton and Nebraska fans compete for glory by emptying their pocketbooks — McEvoy had an epiphany. He would make signature shots for each of the eight sides that qualify in a given year's College World Series.
Management changes brought about changes in 2019. Shots were produced Jell-O rather than straight alcohol, seemingly a cost-cutting method.
The challenge has remained as popular as ever in the years since its most recent alteration, however. In 2022, McEvoy started a Twitter account to track the number of shots ingested by each fanbase. With more than 50,000 followers (and counting), McEvoy's decision seems to be an inspired one.
The contest is a profitable endeavor for Rocco's. ESPN reported that 42 percent of their yearly revenue comes during the College World Series.
That's allowed the restaurant to give back. For every $5 Jell-O shot sold, $1 goes to local food banks operating near each school. An additional 50 cents is sent to Omaha-based charities.
Oh, and there's plenty of incentive to keep chugging. Each of of the last three national champions have also led the field in Jell-O shot consumption. So, a strong showing in Rocco's could inspire some impressive outings on the diamond, too.
In 2025, the Jell-O challenge had even more on the line. Patrons were asked to fill out free raffle tickets, with one lucky winner taking home an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas, courtesy of Circa.
Here we go! @CircaLasVegas loves the charitable aspect of the challenge and wants to reward fans! From 5pm-10pm come down to the Jello Shot Room and fill out a free raffle ticket. One lucky winner gets the prize package! Drawing will be at 10pm must be present to win! pic.twitter.com/HTMZliGe8T
— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 14, 2025Rocco's Jell-O Shot Challenge record
LSU is the standard-bearer for Rocco's excellence. In 2023, the Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews-led fanbase ingested 68,888 drinks. That's not merely a record mark. In fact, that's nearly twice as much as second-place Tennessee's tally in 2024.
The two most fun words for Rocco's: Rain Delay! This whole place is one big sing along! Let's have some fun and play three tomorrow! #RoadToRoccos #cws2025 pic.twitter.com/o7mYZhULUu
— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 17, 2025Upon the conclusion of the event, $142,464 was donated to food banks and other local organizations.
List of Rocco's Jell-O Shot Challenge winners
Here's a look at each of the Rocco's Jell-O Shot Challenge winners since the drink was made into gelatin in 2019.
| Year | Team | Nos. of Jell-O shots | National Championship? |
| 2024 | Tennessee | 38,795 | Yes |
| 2023 | LSU | 68,888 | Yes |
| 2022 | Ole Miss | 18,777 | Yes |
| 2021 | Mississippi State | 2,965 | Yes |
| 2020 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | Arkansas | 864 | No |
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