The race for 2025’s TIME Person of the Year is heating up and bettors are paying attention. Bodog has odds on all the top contenders, each having made a significant impact on the world over the past year.
If you’re looking to put some money on who will be named the world’s most influential figure, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s break it all down and see if we can help you predict the next TIME Person of the Year.
How TIME Person of the Year is Chosen
A tradition dating back to 1927, the title is awarded annually to the person, group, object or idea that — for better or worse — has most affected the events of the past year. This is not a popularity contest, so it doesn’t matter if the public perceives them as hero or villain; it’s all about the impact they’ve had on world events.
Ultimately, the decision is made by the editorial team at TIME Magazine, with a secretive process led by editor-in-chief Samuel Jacobs. There’s no set type of recipient for this honour, with past winners ranging from political leaders and religious figures to tech innovators and even pop icons.
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The Front-Runners
AI/Artificial Intelligence +200
One of the betting favourites for 2025’s TIME Person of the Year is not a person, but rather a game-changing new technology. AI has been in the running for this honour ever since the launch of ChatGPT, but 2025 saw the technology become an integral part of everyday life. This is not unprecedented territory, with the title being awarded in past years to “The Computer” (1982) and “The Endangered Earth” (1988).
Pope Leo XIV +200
It would not be the first time a pope was named TIME Person of the Year, with the leader of the Catholic Church having already been selected on three separate occasions. Pope Leo XIV may only be a few months into his papacy, but he’s the first-ever American-born pope, as well as the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. With over a billion Catholics worldwide now turning to him for guidance, don’t underestimate the impact Pope Leo XIV has already had over his first few months in the Vatican.
Donald Trump +300
If you’ve been following the headlines over the past year, it should come as no surprise to see Donald Trump on this list. For better or worse, the president of the United States has had an undeniable impact on Americans since returning to the White House in January. He’s also had a major impact on the rest of the world through tariffs and foreign policy. Trump is no stranger to this honour, having been named TIME Person of the Year in 2016 and again in 2024.
In the Mix
Elon Musk +1400
Considered by many to be the greatest mind of his generation, Elon Musk is definitely in the conversation for 2025’s TIME Person of the Year. The man behind Tesla, Neuralink, SpaceX and more is constantly in the news for his latest ground-breaking exploits. His impact was even greater in 2025, as he was tasked with overseeing the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Like Trump, Musk is a former recipient of this title, with the tech mogul being named TIME Person of the Year in 2021.
Mark Carney +1600
Canadians are seeing a familiar name on the odds boards, as Prime Minister Mark Carney is in the discussion for 2025’s TIME Person of the Year. After winning the federal election this April, Carney steps into a tense situation with the United States amid tariffs and other trade policy. How Carney handles these issues will have a huge effect on businesses and consumers in both Canada and the U.S.
Benjamin Netanyahu +2000
He’s one of the more controversial figures on this year’s shortlist, but Benjamin Netanyahu has a strong case to be 2025’s TIME Person of the Year. The Israeli Prime Minister has faced a lot of criticism over the past year as the IDF has waged a war in Gaza. He pushed Israel to take bold military initiatives, while his relationship with the United States has boosted his international influence. Regardless of how you feel about Netanyahu, he’s clearly had a major impact on the geopolitical landscape over the past year.
The Longshots
Satoshi Nakamoto +3300
While no one knows their true identity, Satoshi Nakamoto is a pseudonym for the creator of Bitcoin. With the cryptocurrency climbing over $120,000 in 2025, it would only be fitting for this mysterious figure to be named TIME Person of the Year. Satoshi Nakamoto has become a symbol of financial revolution, while corporations, governments and even central banks are now investing in Bitcoin around the world.
MrBeast +4000
Whether you know him from his wild videos or his generous philanthropy, MrBeast is a global influencer with a massive presence. The YouTube creator has redefined online entertainment as we know it. He also makes a difference in countless people’s lives, doing everything from funding eye surgeries to building homes. He’s a longshot for TIME Person of the Year, but MrBeast certainly made his mark on 2025.
Beyoncé +6600
If you’re looking for a true sleeper pick to bet on, why not go with Queen B? Beyoncé was a major player in 2025, with her Cowboy Carter tour spurring on local economies across the U.S. and grossing more than $400 million. She also became the first Black artist to win Best Country Album and the first Black woman in 25 years to win Album of the Year. Keep in mind that Taylor Swift earned this honour in 2023 with a very similar track record.
Final Thoughts
History doesn’t hand out trophies to significant figures, but the title of TIME Person of the Year could be the next best thing. If you want to get in on the excitement, check out the complete odds for this year’s race and lock in your picks before the magazine goes to print!