If you’ve been listening to The Far End of the Bench podcast for a while, you know two things: we are unapologetically ourselves, and Niko loves the Denver Nuggets. Sure, he’s a Broncos fan, but it was the Nuggets that shaped his childhood. Watching his dad—former guest on the show—rub elbows with the organization lit a fire and passion that bonded him to the team. That all came to a head Wednesday night at Ball Arena, where Niko was selected to kick off the event in their fan challenge. The task? Make a layup, stack 10 Ball Corporation cups, bowl them over, and recycle to earn a $100 Altitude gift card.
Watch Niko Dominate the Fan Challenge and Win $100 in the Process!
Niko might be the sneakiest contestant of all time. As we know, he works in operations for the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and spends his summers traveling with the league, setting up their tour events. On our most recent podcast episode, Niko set the stage:
“I have always said I just want a chance. I’ve been going to games for nearly 30 years and have never been chosen once. I can’t let it go to waste if I get a chance.”
This was the mindset of someone determined to seize the moment.
Preparation Meets Opportunity
Niko took his preparation to the next level, even asking sharp questions before stepping onto the court in front of 17,000 fans.
“I asked him, ‘How many cups are there?’ He told me ten, so I remembered my days at Belleview Elementary. I quickly found my 5-4-3-2-1 format from cup stacking in gym class. The other guy was just happy to be there, and here I am calculating what I can and can’t do before running out.”
With the precision of a true athlete, Niko was ready to dominate.
A Performance for the Big Screen
It was over from the start. Niko’s high school basketball experience shone through as he nailed the layup with a perfect finger roll off the glass, earning a shout-out from the arena announcer. By the time the other competitor was still unstacking his cups, Niko had already stacked his and was onto bowling. One strike down the middle later, and the crowd saw what a true fanatic with skills can do.
Why Moments Like These Matter
This moment was about more than just winning $100. It’s why sports hold such a powerful place in our lives. Fans spend years watching their favorite teams and players, dreaming of a moment to represent the organization they love. Niko got his chance—and nailed it.
In a small twist of fate, the video of Niko’s triumph landed in my inbox before he even got off the court. Turns out, I had a cousin at the game who captured it. Sports have a funny way of bringing people together, and this moment was no different.
Key Takeaways:
- Niko’s Nuggets Love: A lifelong passion for Denver basketball culminates in a fan challenge win.
- Unforgettable Fan Moment: What started as a childhood dream turned into a story for the ages.
- Watch the Magic: Relive Niko’s moment here!
Stay tuned for more stories, updates, and recaps on The Far End of the Bench!
