CWS Jello Shot Challenge: First leaderboard update revealed on eve of opening games

The biggest competition at the College World Series may not even take place on the field. Rocco’s has become a fan-favorite bar in Omaha, hosting the CWS Jello Shot Challenge every year. Fans are able to buy jello shots and designate which team to count their tally under. A great promotion for the bar while some money also goes to charity.

On the night before the baseball begins, Rocco’s released the first leaderboard to get things started. Maybe a little surprising, Kentucky is currently in first place with 126 Jello shots thus far. North Carolina is right behind the Wildcats at 107.

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There is even some conference rivalry taking place as four SEC teams and four ACC teams are participating in the CWS. Currently, the ACC has a slight lead of two shots. But with the update coming at 7:08 p.m. CT, there is plenty of time for fans to get in on the fun.

“Here it is! The first board update of the Series,” Rocco’s said via X.

“Kentucky jumping to the early lead but it’s been a horse race all day. Despite that the ACC currently leads the SEC by two shots. There’s a lot of night left. #RoadtoRoccos“

Here it is! The first board update of the Series. Kentucky jumping to the early lead but it's been a horse race all day. Despite that the ACC currently leads the SEC by two shots. There's a lot of night left. #RoadtoRoccos pic.twitter.com/na6J0VJANb

— CWS Jello Shot Challenge (@CWSShotBoard) June 14, 2024

Last year’s Jello Shot Challenge was not even particularly close, with LSU running away by buying nearly 69,000 shots. Some huge donations came in in favor of the Tigers but nonetheless, nobody parties quite like LSU fans do. Winning the College World Series in a dramatic three games against Florida certainly helped the cause and celebration too.

Rocco’s was estimated to sell around $475,000 worth of Jello shots in total too, with money going to Omaha food banks and local food banks of the teams participating in the challenge.

Ole Miss and Mississippi State are previous winners of the challenge too, proving to be an SEC-friendly competition. If anybody from the ACC is going to knock them off, there is already an early hole to overcome. Early contender to be the main competition might be the Tar Heels.

As for the baseball, games will get underway on Friday afternoon, with North Carolina and Virginia the first contest of the day. First pitch will be at 1 p.m. CT from Charles Schwab Field — plenty of time for fans to stop by and pregame a little if they choose.