Miami played host to an afternoon that felt equal parts spectacle and cultural callback as Dos Equis celebrated the official return of the Most Interesting Man in the World. On Monday, January 19, ahead of the college football championship game, the brand staged a Sailgate experience in Miami Harbor that merged sports energy, celebrity presence, and a distinctly maritime take on the classic pre-game ritual.
Held just miles from the stadium, the event unfolded aboard yachts and along the water, where cold Dos Equis beers and sunlit views set the scene for a gathering designed to feel spontaneous rather than scripted. At its center was Jonathan Goldsmith, reprising his role as the iconic figure whose presence has long been synonymous with the brand’s Stay Thirsty ethos.
The Official Dos Equis Pre-Game Sailgate reimagined tailgating by taking it offshore, inviting guests to trade parking lots for open water. Beginning at 3:30 p.m., the celebration leaned into the idea of living boldly, with unexpected moments unfolding throughout the afternoon.
Dos Equis framed the Sailgate as a live expression of the brand’s belief that interesting moments bring people together. The result was a fluid mix of sports fans, creatives, and cultural figures sharing space, stories, and beers ahead of one of college football’s biggest nights.
The guest list reflected the event’s wide cultural reach. Spotted aboard were Tom Brady, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade, alongside regional Música Mexicana band Fuerza Regida, professional fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, actress Dede Lovelace, mentalist Oz Pearlman, and Jonathan Goldsmith himself.
Influencers and industry insiders filled out the crowd, adding to an atmosphere that felt less like a traditional brand activation and more like a social gathering with a shared appreciation for storytelling.
The Sailgate marked the public-facing return of the Most Interesting Man in the World after nearly a decade away. Portrayed by Goldsmith, the character re-enters popular culture as part of Dos Equis’ refreshed Stay Thirsty platform, which leans into curiosity, confidence, and a life defined by stories worth sharing.
His reappearance comes ahead of a new commercial debuting during Monday night’s college football title-game broadcast, signaling the start of a broader, integrated campaign that blends nostalgia with contemporary relevance.
Originally running from 2006 to 2016, the Most Interesting Man in the World campaign became a defining moment in modern advertising, extending far beyond television into memes, late-night television, and everyday conversation. Its impact helped more than triple the size of the Dos Equis brand, and the character remains instantly recognizable to beer drinkers today.
Dos Equis’ decision to revive the campaign was driven by sustained audience interest and a broader cultural appetite for experiences that feel memorable rather than routine.
“We knew the public thirst was massive: Our research found that 83% of people exposed to the original campaign wanted to see it return, and the old ads drove an incredible 97th percentile brand recall in recent testing. While this campaign has been off the air for nearly a decade, the love for The Most Interesting Man in the World never faded.”Alison Payne, CMO of HEINEKEN USA
Rather than relying solely on nostalgia, Dos Equis has positioned the character as a reminder to seek out moments that break routine and invite connection.
The Miami Sailgate served as a live preview of what the brand’s next chapter aims to deliver. Subtle teasers, celebrity interactions, and an emphasis on shared experience underscored the idea that the Stay Thirsty platform is evolving into something more immersive.
With additional appearances and storytelling planned throughout 2026, including future moments tied to major sports broadcasts, the Most Interesting Man in the World appears poised to once again occupy a central place in pop culture.
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