Shohei Ohtani has long been known for drawing massive attention to baseball games, but his impact at the 2026 World Baseball Classic reached another level when celebrities from different industries appeared to watch him play. Among the notable names in attendance at the opening game in Tokyo were singer Bad Bunny and actor Timothée Chalamet, both of whom were spotted in Japan watching the tournament.
Japan Dominates in Tournament Opener
The host nation, Japan national baseball team, began its Pool C campaign with an overwhelming performance against the Chinese Taipei national baseball team at the iconic Tokyo Dome. Japan secured a commanding 13–0 victory in a game that quickly became one-sided.
The turning point came in the second inning when Japan exploded offensively, scoring ten runs in a single frame. The team cycled through the batting order during that inning and set a new World Baseball Classic record for the most runs scored in one inning. Japan continued the offensive momentum by adding three additional runs in the third inning.
Because of the large margin, the game was called after seven innings under the tournament’s mercy rule. This rule allows a game to end early when a team leads by at least ten runs after the seventh inning, demonstrating how dominant Japan’s performance was. Chinese Taipei struggled throughout the matchup and managed to record only one hit during the entire game.
Ohtani Delivers a Standout Performance
Ohtani was the central figure in Japan’s victory. The two-way superstar finished the game with three hits in five at-bats, including a grand slam and five runs batted in. He came extremely close to completing the cycle, missing it only by a triple.
His most impactful moment occurred in the second inning when his grand slam extended Japan’s lead to 4–0 and helped spark the massive offensive outburst that followed. The performance energized the crowd and served as a powerful start to Japan’s title defense, reinforcing the team’s reputation as one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.
The dominant win also allowed Japan to conserve energy for its upcoming matchup against the South Korea national baseball team. With the game ending early due to the mercy rule, players avoided the fatigue that often comes from playing a full nine-inning contest.
Celebrity Presence Adds to the Atmosphere
The excitement inside the Tokyo Dome was amplified by the presence of celebrities watching the game live. Bad Bunny and Timothée Chalamet were seen in the stands during Japan’s opening matchup, adding an extra layer of attention to the event.
Major international sporting events often attract famous personalities, but the opportunity to watch Ohtani perform in his home country has proven especially appealing. His global popularity has turned him into one of the biggest attractions in baseball, drawing fans from many different backgrounds—including major figures in entertainment.
Bad Bunny’s Support for Puerto Rico
Although Bad Bunny attended the game in Japan, his loyalty in the tournament clearly lies with the Puerto Rico national baseball team. The global music star demonstrated his support by gifting the entire Puerto Rican roster custom cleats designed specifically for the 2026 tournament.
Working in collaboration with Adidas, Bad Bunny created a special pair of cleats known as the BadBo 1.0. The footwear features a white-and-blue design along with the initials “BB” for Bad Bunny and “PR” representing Puerto Rico.
Several Puerto Rican players showcased the cleats on social media, confirming the gift and highlighting the gesture. Among the players who shared images were Kiké Hernández, José De León, Edwin Díaz, and Martín Maldonado.
A Symbol of National Pride
Kiké Hernández played a prominent role in unveiling the cleats to fans. Although he will not participate in the tournament due to offseason elbow surgery, he helped introduce the player-exclusive footwear as the team prepared for its World Baseball Classic games under the Puerto Rican flag.
Each pair of cleats was customized to match Puerto Rico’s team colors and uniforms, making them a unique item for the players. The design is not being sold publicly, meaning the cleats remain exclusive to the national team.
Bad Bunny’s contribution represented more than just a stylish accessory. By designing footwear that incorporates Puerto Rico’s colors and symbols, he created a powerful connection between culture, music, and baseball. For many fans, the gesture reflected a strong sense of pride and support for the island’s national team.
A Tournament Filled with Star Power
The opening game in Tokyo showed how the World Baseball Classic continues to grow as a global event. Ohtani’s outstanding performance delivered an electrifying start to the tournament, while the presence of celebrities like Bad Bunny and Timothée Chalamet highlighted the sport’s expanding cultural reach.
- At the same time, Bad Bunny’s support for Puerto Rico demonstrated how athletes, entertainers, and fans can come together to celebrate national pride and the global spirit of baseball.