The Circa Survivor contest is on pace to set a new prize pool record for the 2025 NFL season. Organizers report that the competition has already received more than 4,100 entries in a single day, surpassing last year’s early registration pace and moving the total well above the $15 million guarantee. If entries continue at this rate, Circa Survivor could exceed $20 million in prize money, breaking the previous record of $14.2 million set in 2024.
Mike Palm, vice president of operations for Circa Sports, stated that current entries are more than 40 percent higher than at the same point last year. He said maintaining this momentum through the final registration period could push the prize pool just past $20 million.
Circa Survivor challenges participants to select one straight‑up NFL winner each week, with no point spreads involved and each team usable only once per entry. The contest spans 20 legs, including the 18 regular‑season weeks along with separate Thanksgiving/Black Friday and Christmas matchups.
A new high‑stakes spin‑off called Grandissimo has also been introduced. With a $100,000 entry fee and a $1.5 million guarantee, it has already drawn 11 entries, with organizers projecting as many as 40. Only 15 are needed to meet the prize requirement.
Circa Million VII, the company’s spread‑based NFL picks contest, is also tracking closely to last year’s participation, which ended with 5,817 entries. This season requires 6,000 entries to reach its $6 million guarantee. Circa Resort will host its annual Football Preview event on August 23, featuring expert analysis as the contests approach their official start.
