What makes Shohei Ohtani so appealing? Simple: the guy is a walking highlight reel.

“He’s a mythical creature. He’s like a unicorn.” That’s how Alex Rodriguez described the awe-inspiring talent of Shohei Ohtani. And now, the unicorn has entered a new realm, one where digital avatars battle it out in a colorful, chaotic world.

He hits bombs, steals bases like a ninja, and even though he’s recovering from an injury, he’s still putting up video game numbers.

And speaking of video games, Ohtani just became the first MLB player to join the Fortnite Icon Series! You can snag his Dodgers uniform in home whites, away grays, or even a LEGO version. Plus, there’s a sweet Samurai Shohei outfit with a fiery pitching arm animation. Ohtani’s global appeal is undeniable and this Fortnite collaboration just proves how much he transcends the sport.

Former MLB pitcher and current commentator Dallas Braden perfectly captured Ohtani’s impact when he said, “I’m not sure folks TRULY grasp the level of superstardom required to transcend cultural & social landscapes on the level that Ohtani has. He’s a baseball player. That doesn’t lend itself to international fame & acclaim…unless you’re doing Ohtani type stuff. This is dope!” Braden hit the nail on the head – Ohtani is in a league of his own.  

But how exactly does Ohtani transcend cultural and social landscapes?

Well, for starters, he has broken records and exceeded expectations. He’s the first player in major league history to have 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, and he’s doing it while recovering from elbow surgery. Such dominance appeals to fans everywhere, irrespective of background. And, of course, Ohtani’s humble, charismatic demeanor makes him very easy to root for. He’s a global icon who epitomizes the best of baseball. And the impact he has on the sport is only growing.

The Ohtani phenomenon: The future of fandom

This Fortnite collab is making history because it’s the first time the gaming giant has teamed up with an MLB player. Sure, Fortnite has had athletes such as LeBron James, Neymar Jr., and Patrick Mahomes, but Ohtani offers a different dimension. He’s not just a sports superstar; he’s a global icon, breaking barriers and captivating audiences worldwide.

The data speaks for itself. Ohtani is a rockstar in Japan — fans stood in line to purchase newspaper editions announcing his signing with the Dodgers, and his Instagram posts about the deal drew millions of likes in just a few hours. He has undeniably changed MLB viewership, as global viewership for the regular season skyrocketed by 18% from 2023, and Asian television audiences surged by 32%.

This guy is a marketing machine, and this Fortnite news is only going to amplify his influence.

And it’s not just this one. He’s the face of brands such as Beats, Topps and Rapsodo. Besides his baseball skills, these franchises are investing in his international popularity and potential to connect deeply with fans. He’s a symbol of excellence, dedication, and sportsmanship that resonates with people worldwide.

What makes this deal even more exciting is its timing. It overlaps with the 2025 Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and the Cubs and makes for a perfect storm of international attention and excitement around baseball. This is a transformative moment for the sport, and Ohtani is right in the middle.

Want to see Shotime dominate in the digital world? Grab your controller and jump into Fortnite! You can snag his Dodgers uniform, the Samurai Shohei outfit, and even the bobblehead of his adorable dog, Decoy.

And don’t forget to share your experience with us, too!