The 2026 Internet Invitational has teed off, and teams have been selected for the first episode. There’s already a new twist in Year 2 as the field and prize money have increased significantly.
Last year’s inaugural tournament featured 48 players from the world of golf, as well as influencers and other celebrities. However, the 2026 edition is up to 64 players, which is prompting Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports to create an entirely different format for episode 1.
The Internet Invitational is back at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri for the highly-popular YouTube golf series. Episode 1’s already giving fans some major drama with the team selection process.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy is putting up $4 million for the incredible event, but the bad news for half the field is that 32 players will be eliminated after the opening episode.
*This article features spoilers for the opening episode of the 2026 Internet Invitational. Please hold off on reading further if you don’t want to know the results of the first round draft.
MORE: 2026 Internet Invitational episode 1 live stream, start time & viewing info
Internet Invitational format
The format for the 2026 Internet Invitational. Let’s have a tournament. https://t.co/EZethTdoGq
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 26, 2026
This is where the tournament officially creates chaos. Day 1’s intense competition narrows the field down to 32 players by the end of play.
Everyone in attendance was able to choose four captains that they wanted to represent the field. Brad Dalke, Wesley Bryan, Peter Finch and Ryan Ruffels are the leaders of their respective teams.
Meanwhile, four 16-player teams are forming in the two-round combined score format. From there, pairings are selected by their captains in four-ball and alternate-shot formats. The top two teams with the most points advance to the next round for episode 2.
The group includes former college football star Johnny Manziel and UFC champion Justin Gaethje. Other notable names featured are Tyler Toney of YouTube’s Dude Perfect and former NFL coach Jon Gruden.
The entire six-part series is available on YouTube. Episode 1 is playing now on Fore Play Golf’s channel.
MORE: 2026 Internet Invitational player tiers: Ranking best and worst competitors
Round 1 teams selected
Blue Team
| Peter Finch (c) | Francis Ellis | Roger Steele | Snort Game King |
| Frankie Borrelli | The Jet | Jersey Jerry | Trent Ryan |
| Martin Borgmeier | Josh Kelley | Luke Kwon | Joey Cold Cuts |
| Rick Shiels | Jason Williams | Cassandra Marie | Malosi |
White Team
| Ryan Ruffels (c) | Bubbie | Marissa Wentzler | Paige Spiranac |
| Bobby Ray | Grant Horvat | Riggs | Micah Morris |
| Ryan Whitney | Justin Gaethje | Big John | Fat Perez |
| Jake Adams | Salim | Jon Gruden | The Duke |
Red Team
| Brad Dalke (c) | Tyler Toney | Taco | Daltoosh |
| Johnny Manziel | Karol Priscilla | Mason Nutt | Hailey Rose Ostrom |
| Paul ‘Biz’ Bissonnette | Keith Yandle | Garrett Clark | DOD King |
| Sara Winter | Andrew Santino | Tooms | Josh Richards |
Green Team
| Wesley Bryan (c) | Chaz | Mac Boucher | Sabrina Andolpho |
| George Bryan | Tisha Alyn | Evan Thompson | Sam Heung Min |
| Claire Hogle | Cheddy | Kyle Forgeard | Callux |
| Cole Lantz | PFT Commenter | Seb Michael-Brown | Bobby Berger |
*(c) denotes team captain
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