Beast Games Player #126 goes viral after eliminating his team to secure $1 million prize

Joseph “JT” Torres, sparked debate after choosing a $1 million payout that ended his team’s run

A Beast Games Season 2 contestant has gone viral after choosing a $1 million payout that eliminated his entire team from the competition.

The moment occurred during the Prime Video reality series, created by Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, when team captains were offered a choice during a challenge. MrBeast told them that pressing a button would immediately eliminate their entire team but guarantee a $1 million payment. Joseph “JT” Torres, a New York-based fitness trainer and owner of Brooklyn Sluggers, pressed the button without hesitation.

MrBeast’s Beast Games contestant says he has no regrets after choosing $1 million over his team

“Now that I’m a millionaire I definitely DON’T regret my decision” pic.twitter.com/kIOick4GGK

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) January 18, 2026

The decision ended the red team’s run in the competition and sparked an emotional reaction from fellow contestants. One teammate confronted JT directly, saying: “JT, you slimy. I'd have gave you some money if you were that desperate. You look real bad in front of god, in front of your comrades on this team. You look super bad! We don't respect you no more. I've got nothing to say to you.”

The clip quickly spread across social media, drawing thousands of reactions. Some viewers criticised the move, while others defended it as a rational decision in a high-stakes game. 

On January 18, JT posted evidence on X showing he had received the payment and made his position clear. “Now that I’m a millionaire I definitely DON’T regret my decision,” he wrote.

The response online remained divided, with some accusing JT of betraying his teammates and others praising him for securing a guaranteed prize in an unpredictable competition. At the time of the decision, he was one of 25 remaining players.

Beast Games Season 2 continues this week, with the fifth episode of Strong vs. Smart set to premiere on January 21, as the fallout from the controversial moment continues to dominate discussion among viewers