What an unforgettable evening for 18-year-old college student Jaren Barajas! Not only did he face Milwaukee Bucks great Damian Lillard, he straight up beat Lillard in a dramatic 3-point battle for the sweet prize of $100,000-a memory that will definitely last for life.
A Shot that Changed Everything
He won the "MrBeast Logo Shot Challenge" during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco. His winning shot ended up coming from so far behind the line that it bettered the best effort that Lillard could hope to achieve hitting three logo three-pointers. Seconds remaining on the clock, Barajas launched the ball as the buzzer sounded. The multi-colored ball ricocheted off-the backboard and swished through the hoop, securing his victory.
"This is going to mean everything for me. It is going to do a lot of good for my family and definitely my future ", Barajas told The Associated Press. "Hopefully it will help for helping me pay for my education, which it will."
Adding much weight to his impressive story is the fact that Barajas did not even know he was going to the All-Star Game, much less competing in a contest. His father, Michael Barajas, bought the tickets secretly after he found the price suddenly dropped into reach of his budget.
"He wanted to go to the game, but prices were pretty high. I kept watching the prices come down, and once I found them where I could afford them, I bought them and surprised him yesterday," explained Michael. "I can't believe we're right here, but I'm glad I did it. He deserves it, and I'm proud of him."
Equally, however, was Jaren surprised. "I got surprised with these tickets yesterday, so I didn't even know I was coming to the game. This is so surreal. I'm so thankful," he shared.
The Winning Moment
What paling as competition pressure mounted but relaxed head in the case of Barajas sealed victory: 30 seconds left. He remembered his father's advice: "Use the backboard." So he rolled for it-and that paid off big.
"It was coming down to the wire. We had 30 seconds left, and my dad always tells me, 'Use the backboard,'" Barajas explained. "That's what I had to do to make it go in."
Jaren Barajas soared through hoops, joining NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith in the celebration while Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry illuminated the scene with a big grin.
Wonderful sportsmanship from Lillard brings Damian as well. Lillard then gave Barajas some dollars in a friendly attitude after the contest.
A Day to Remember.
For Jaren Barajas, this was victory not only in his bank account but also a tale to tell for the rest of his life. The bright picture of the two beaming from ear to ear in the arena-a father with a trophy and a son waving the money-told that this moment was bigger than winning: it was about family, hard work, and excitement in achieving something no one expected to be done.
For Jaren Barajas, a college student with big dreams, one night proved that anything can happen-besting an NBA All-Star on one of basketball's biggest stages.