What Drake learned after playing table tennis against Michael Jordan in 2016

Drake says playing table tennis with Michael Jordan showed him what true competitiveness looks like.

Drake says a few games of table tennis with Michael Jordan taught him more about competitiveness than almost anything he’s seen in music or sport.

The Toronto rapper reflected on the moment during an interview, saying Jordan’s refusal to lose left a lasting impression on him.

Michael Jordan refused to walk away from table after losing to Drake

Drake told Stake’s House Money that the match took place during the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto, where the two faced off at Jordan’s event.

Jordan’s legendary drive to win, even in a friendly game, was on full display for the Six God, and he walked away with a newfound respect.

“I beat him at ping-pong a couple of times, and he just wouldn’t leave the ping-pong table. He kept just betting me, like, bands. 10 bands, 20 bands. Just kept betting because he just couldn’t stomach the loss, you know?”

“He’ll gamble on anything. He’s definitely not a quitter. I respect him deeply for his gambling nature. So, yeah, I’d say Michael Jordan’s definitely one-of-one.”

For Drake, the moment summed up why Jordan’s name carries so much weight — not just as an athlete, but as a personality who refuses to back down.

The rapper said it was clear that the same mentality that defined Jordan’s basketball career still drives him in everyday competition.

Drake says Michael Jordan’s mindset reflects what success demands

For Drake, watching Michael Jordan’s obsession with winning made him think differently about what it takes to stay at the top.

The encounter left a mark on Drake, who called Michael Jordan “the gambling GOAT” after their interaction.

Drake has always been a huge basketball fan, so to get the chance to go one-on-one with His Airness himself was an incredible moment.

For him, it wasn’t just about the stakes or the money — it was about the mentality. The lesson was simple: real competitors never stop until they win.

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