2026 Internet Invitational episode 2 spoilers: 2 previous champions eliminated

There’s been no shortage of chaos in the 2026 Internet Invitational. Now, two past champions are being sent packing after just two episodes.

Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy struck gold with the concept to bring together the best internet golf creators and other celebrities during the first installment last year. However, the additions of college football legend Johnny Manziel, UFC star Justin Gaethje and Dude Perfect’s Tyler Toney have elevated the event.

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The $4 million competition began with 64 players, but half the field is eliminated at the end of episode 2. With four episodes remaining, 32 competitors are left standing at Big Cedar Lodge.

*This article includes spoilers for the second episode of the 2026 Internet Invitational. Please hold off on reading further if you don’t want to uncover the tournament results thus far.

MORE: 2026 Internet Invitational full roster, prize money & schedule revealed

Episode 2 spoilers

Ryan Ruffels hits his tee shot from the 15th tee box during the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

This Internet Invitational began with four captains of elite YouTube golfers selecting their teams; Brad Dalke, Wesley Bryan, Peter Finch and Ryan Ruffels. Bryan’s Team Green held a decisive 6-2 edge over Dalke’s Team Red after the scramble format over the first nine holes.

However, alternate shot brought up many of the same struggles for Dalke’s group. That’s led to the 2025 co-champion being sent home along with his team of 16 players.

The other match is where the drama comes into play, and a second playoff hole was needed to decide a champion. Grant Horvat and Big John faced off with Roger Steele and Rick Shiels, but it was John that managed to sink one of the biggest putts of his life.

Big John’s birdie putt helped Ruffels’ team secure the comeback win after trailing during the scramble round. Meanwhile, “The Fog Father” has one of the most electric personalities in the field. His shot certainly delivered one of the biggest moments in this year’s Invitational to date.

MORE: 2026 Internet Invitational episode 1 spoilers: Round 1 teams revealed

The loss for Finch’s team is even worse for Barstool’s Frankie Borrelli and Francis Ellis. The latter was a winner last year alongside Dalke and now-deceased Cody “Beef” Franke. Meanwhile, Borrelli memorably lost in the finale after blading his chip into the water on the final hole.

Team Ruffels and Team Bryan are the ones still remaining after the second episode dropped on Thursday. Below are the 32 players still competing in this year’s Invitational.

Players still eligible for $4 million prize

Wesley BryanChazMac BoucherSabrina AndolphoGeorge BryanTisha AlynEvan ThompsonSam Heung MinClaire HogleCheddyKyle ForgeardCalluxCole LantzPFT CommenterSeb Michael-BrownBobby BergerRyan Ruffels (c)BubbieMarissa WentzlerPaige SpiranacBobby RayGrant HorvatRiggsMicah MorrisRyan WhitneyJustin GaethjeBig JohnFat PerezJake AdamsSalimJon GrudenThe Duke

It’s unclear how the drama unfolds in the following episodes. Perhaps Portnoy and Co. have no formats and challenges in store for the competitors. However, the Internet Invitational returns to action on Monday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube.

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