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Paige Spiranac Opens Up About Cheating Scandal at Internet Invitational

Source: Paige Spiranac admits cheating at Internet Invitational but is not the bad guy (2025-11-26)

In a heartfelt AMA, golf influencer Paige Spiranac candidly admits to cheating during the 2025 Internet Invitational, emphasizing she is not the villain in this controversy. The event, organized by Barstool Sports and featuring high-profile influencers, generated unprecedented social media buzz and a $1 million prize pool, surpassing many professional tournaments in online engagement. Despite the scandal, Spiranac’s transparency has garnered both criticism and support, highlighting her commitment to honesty and the evolving nature of influencer-driven sports events. The incident underscores the growing influence of social media in sports, where digital fame can sometimes blur the lines of fair play. Recent developments in the scandal include the following facts: 1. The Internet Invitational was one of the most-watched golf events of 2025, with over 3 million views on YouTube for the final episode. 2. The event's popularity was driven largely by social media influencers, including Paige Spiranac and Malosi Togisala, who faced accusations of cheating. 3. The tournament's winner, Cody "Beef" Franke, tragically passed away shortly after the event, adding a somber note to the controversy. 4. The event's success has prompted discussions about the legitimacy and ethics of influencer-led sports competitions. 5. Spiranac’s emotional AMA revealed her struggles with public scrutiny and her desire to promote transparency in digital sports. 6. The scandal has sparked a broader conversation about the future of online sports tournaments and the importance of maintaining integrity in virtual competitions. 7. Notably, the event's controversy has led to increased calls for regulation and oversight of influencer-driven sporting events to prevent similar incidents. 8. Paige Spiranac, known for her golf expertise and social media presence, continues to be a prominent figure advocating for honesty and fair play in the digital age. 9. The incident has also highlighted the emotional toll on influencers involved in scandals, with Spiranac’s tearful admission resonating with many fans and critics alike. 10. As of late 2025, the Internet Invitational remains a case study in the power and pitfalls of social media-driven sports, shaping future trends in online athletic competitions. This scandal exemplifies the complex intersection of social media influence, sportsmanship, and digital entertainment, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity in the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports events. Paige Spiranac’s openness may set a precedent for future influencers to prioritize honesty, fostering a more trustworthy environment for fans and participants alike.

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