The Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup has taken the internet by storm — and this year’s Merrython event makes the hype even bigger. Not only is the viral collectible cup finally returning, but Starbucks is also awarding its most coveted grand prize: Starbucks for Life, where winners receive a free daily drink for the next 30 years. From lifetime beverages to 17,000 limited-edition cups, Merrython has quickly become Starbucks’ biggest annual giveaway.

No store restocks.
No early lines.
No fighting baristas for inventory.

This time, the ONLY way to get one of the 17,000 Bearista Cups is through the Merrython Instant Win Game.

Here’s the simplest, most accurate guide based on the official rules and real gameplay.

Why the Bearista Cup Is So Crazy Right Now

• It originally retailed at $29.95

• Resold on eBay for $150–$1,000+

• Stores got very limited quantities

• Social media turned it into one of 2025’s biggest collector items

Now Starbucks is dropping 17,000 cups exclusively online — and you can win one for free.

Fast Rules Summary (Read This First)

• 17,000 Bearista Cups are randomly seeded during the event

  If you play at the moment a “winning time” is triggered, you instantly win a Bearista Cup.

  
  

• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

  You can win without spending money.

  
  

• One cup per person

  Even if you somehow hit multiple winning times.

  
  

• Event dates

  Dec 8, 2025 → Jan 4, 2026 (PT).
  
  

How to Win the Bearista Cup — Accurate Step-by-Step Guide

STEP 1 — Open the Official Event Link

➡️ https://www.starbucksforlife.com/landing

You’ll see the Merrython start screen (red background, green circle).

Tap Start.

STEP 2 — Sign in to Your Starbucks Rewards Account

Must be a Starbucks Rewards member.
Winning is tied to this account.

STEP 3 — Choose an Avatar + City

Screens will show cities like Seattle, Milan, etc.
Some are locked until you progress.

This does NOT affect prize odds — it’s only visual.

STEP 4 — Play the Merrython Game (Optional but Fun)

The runner game is just for fun.
Playing it does NOT change your prize odds. You can also skip the game and still win.

STEP 5 — See Your Prize Reveal

Once the run ends, you will see one of the following:

• ⭐ Stars

• ☕ Food coupons

• 💵 $5 eGift card

• 🧸 Bearista Cup (if you hit a winning time)

• ❌ “Not a winner today”

If you win the Bearista Cup, Starbucks will ask for your shipping address.

Official rules state:

"17,000 winning times are randomly seeded.
If you’re the first person to reach the reveal screen at or after a winning time, you win."

This is pure luck + timing — not gameplay skill.

How to Maximize Your Bearista Chances

✔️ 1 free play every week

Just log into the event site.

✔️ Up to 2 additional free plays per day

Choose one of:

• Make a Starbucks purchase (2 per day max)
  OR

• Use the Alternate Method (AMOE) for free daily entries
  
  

Bonus plays

Weekly challenges such as buying specific drinks or categories.

What Happens if You Win the Bearista Cup?

Instantly:

1. You’ll see a winner screen

2. Starbucks asks for your shipping details

3. Cup ships in ~8–10 weeks (page 4)
   
   

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