2026 Internet Invitational Kicks Off With Episode 1 Team Draft

Opening Action at the Internet Invitational 2026

The internet invitational 2026 has officially teed off, bringing high drama and a brand new format to its second year. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is backing the massive YouTube golf series with a $4 million prize pool at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri.

Following last year's inaugural 48-player tournament, the 2026 edition has expanded significantly to feature 64 players. This larger roster prompted organizers from Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports to completely restructure the format for the opening episodes.

Format Changes and Team Captains

Attendees selected four distinct captains to lead the expanded field during the multi-round combined score competition. The designated team leaders are Brad Dalke, Wesley Bryan, Peter Finch, and Ryan Ruffels.

The tournament features a blend of notable celebrities, influencers, and athletes—including former college football star Johnny Manziel, UFC champion Justin Gaethje, YouTube creator Tyler Toney of Dude Perfect, and former NFL coach Jon Gruden. The competition utilizes scramble matchups in episode one, while alternate-shot formats are scheduled for Thursday, October 29.

Round 1 Standings and Elimination Stakes

Following the completion of the opening scramble format, early leaderboard results show the Blue Team holding a 4.5 to 3.5 advantage over the White Team. Meanwhile, the Green Team has established a 5 to 2 lead against the Red Team.

Thursday's episode will conclude the opening round matches during the alternate-shot portion. However, intense pressure remains for half of the competitors, as 32 players will face elimination by the end of episode two. Only the two teams with the highest cumulative points will advance further into the six-part series broadcasted on YouTube.

Sources: Yahoo Sports, Golf Digest, Heavy.com.