The lifelong Lucky Charms fan is planning a treat for fellow cereal devotees
Credit: Courtesy of General Mills
NEED TO KNOW
- Shaquille O’Neal proudly declares himself one of cereal’s biggest fans
- The NBA star, 54, is teaming up with General Mills to meet more major cereal fans and provide them with some unforgettable prizes
- O’Neal tells PEOPLE about his favorite cereal, an unforgettable combo he makes uniquely his, and his excitement to meet the most dedicated cereal fans out there
Shaquille O’Neal knows a thing or two about big fans.
The NBA legend, 54, has amassed countless fans over the course of his career and the many areas of entertainment he’s been part of. Now, he’s teaming up with General Mills on a mission to reward the biggest cereal fans around the country.
“I’ve always been one of Lucky Charms’ biggest fans. Yes, I do a lot of stuff, and I’m very successful in my life, but you can’t beat a big old cold bowl of cereal. I love it and I do enjoy it often,” he tells PEOPLE, revealing his latest cold bowl of cereal was a late-night snack paired with a viewing of Strangers: Chapter 3.
Credit: Skip Bolen/Getty
O’Neal and General Mills are inviting fans to prove their cereal devotion — from tattoos to wedding stations and everything in between — for the opportunity to win epic prizes, exclusive merch and unforgettable experiences inspired by General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Reese’s Puffs and Honey Nut Cheerios cereals.
As for why Lucky Charms is his pick, O’Neal says it all lies in the brand’s signature marshmallows.
“They’re in every crunchy, delicious bite. I just love it. And then you got to go with that Cinnamon Toast Crunch and the Reese’s Puffs. So the fact that there are so many types of cereals in my cabinet that I go to… it’s perfect for the Shaquille O’Neal tornado mix,” he shares.
If you’re looking for the thrill of the Shaquille O’Neal tornado mix, he advises, “I mix them all up and then I just [stir in] about 60 times and you see the little tornado in the middle, because I get a really, really big bowl.”
Credit: Courtesy of General Mills
The grand prize winner will receive a big trip to Shaq’s Fun House, including two VIP tickets and $1,000 to spend, plus a big cash prize of $20K and a meet-and-greet with Shaq. Other prizes include the Lucky Charms Pot of Gold, a cauldron complete with two 1 oz. gold bars along with VIP tickets and a trip for two to Shaq’s Fun House; the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnafan Cave, a fully decked-out, Cinnadusted fan cave for the ultimate game day setup and tickets to Shaq’s Fun House.
Fans can also win the Reese’s Puffs VIP Pass, with a ‘Very Important Puff’ experience to Shaq’s Fun House plus $1,500 spending cash and a ride in style to one of the most talked-about parties of football’s biggest game, along with a custom Reese’s Puffs turntable and sound system; and the Honey Nut Cheerios “Bowl” Hot Tub, a big Honey Nut Cheerios bowl-inspired hot tub paired with Cheerios-themed lawn chairs, plus tickets to Shaq’s Fun House.
O’Neal is excited to meet cereal’s biggest fans and find out what they have in common, calling the partnership “a perfect fit.”
“I’ve been eating General Mills forever, so I love to celebrate fans who care about those crunchy, delicious bites as much as I do. I look forward to coming to a small town and just delivering the prize. The spot’s about making cereal fandom feel larger than life,” he says of the accompanying commercial, which begins airing Sept. 1.
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Credit: Courtesy of General Mills
“I’m kind of hyping up cereal fans and helping General Mills find the people who really deserve to be crowned the biggest General Mills cereal fans. So looking forward to meeting them and giving that larger-than-life experience.”
Through December 31, 2026, fans can visit BiggestFanContest.com to enter for a chance to win. The top 100 highest-scoring entries will be evaluated by cereal content creator Ami Moyal, known online as @cereallife and recognized for his love of cereal culture and fandom. From there, Shaq will select the grand prize winner, who will be announced on National Cereal Day, March 7, 2027.
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