The College World Series has many traditions. From ballpark snacks to fight songs, plenty of heritage is at play when teams make it to Omaha.
Yet few stick out quite like Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge. It's not for the faint of heart; the gooey goodness of alcohol mixed with gelatin can do a lot to one's psyche.
But it's time-honored tradition. And like many traditions, it creates bonds among all those who take part. Rivals become comrades when the mushy concoction is stuffed into people's gobs. Bathrooms turn into battlegrounds.
It all can be so harrowing. But the experience can tighten ties between those attending the tournament. And despite the risks — and copious amounts of vomit — fans continue to flock to the iconic site. Whenever the proceedings bring a new crop of competitors to the CWS, they also bring a cadre of rowdy onlookers hoping to etch their names in bar history.
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With that, here's what you need to know about Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge.
What is Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge?
On-field accolades come and go, but Jello Shot Challenge titles are eternal.
Rocco's Pizza and Cantina is a staple of Omaha's food scene. Located a stone's throw from Charles Schwab Field, Rocco's features a host of mouth-watering options. Yet the establishment's signature item is more commonly associated with frat house basements: jello shots.
Each fan base that descends upon Omaha does so craving sustenance. More often than not, that brings them to Rocco's. Sensing the opportunity to rack up the greenbacks, Rocco's make sure to prepare for the assault. Jello is prepared by the pound and infused with hints of liquid courage.
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Everyone who takes a seat at Rocco's is greeted by the bar's sordid history. They become privy to the ways the dive bar has turned into a place worthy of a pilgrimage. And they tend to respond in kind, purchasing one of those slimy beverages that aren't really ingested for taste or fun. Buyers also get a chance to represent the school they're supporting.
The challenge is as follows: The school with the most shot-filled patrons by the end of the CWS is declared the winner. It is also gifted a substantial donation that intended to resolve challenges on campus.
Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge record
Last year, Ole Miss ended the competition in the winner's circle. Rebels fans were deemed to have thrown down 18,777 jello shots over the course of the tournament. Not only was that a tournament record, it also was six times more than the previous high-water mark.
Ladies and Gentlemen your OFFICIAL 2022 Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge. Congrats to @OleMissBSB for their victory on the field and their fans for the victory across the street at Rocco's. It was a special year and we couldn't be more thankful for y'all. #CWS2022 #CWSS #RoccosOmaha pic.twitter.com/XuloBnXmDM
— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 27, 2022
Who won Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge in 2022?
It was quite the run for Ole Miss last year. Not only did the Rebels capture their first College World Series title, but their fans got their hands on the holy grail of frat house accomplishments in winning the Rocco's Jello Shot Challenge. They ate/drank over 10,000 more small gelatinous globs than any other school. How charming is that?
Omaha.com reported that all the imbibing resulted in Ole Miss' food bank receiving a donation of more than $37,500 (Rocco's donated $2 per shot out of the $4.50 price. This year, shots are $5 apiece and all eight CWS schools will receive a donation.)
So although teams may battle on the diamond for college baseball supremacy, the real war will take place at the bar. Win, lose or draw, it's not going to be pretty. But what could be a better embodiment of America's pastime than the grating aftertaste of sugar water mixed with cheap liquor?
