UT/DR Blog

Undertale and Its Many Universes

Logo for Undertale, 2015

About Undertale and Deltarune

Undertale and Deltarune were developed by Toby Fox. Undertale's main theme is that violence isn't always the answer, and that resorting to it can lead to the worst outcome for everyone. While Deltarune is mainly about defying fate, even if it seems impossible. Both of these games have underlying secondary themes on their more violent routes. For Undertale, it's the no-mercy route, where the player goes out of their way to choose violence; it features the theme of completionism, exploring how far the player will go down this route until there is nothing left. The no-mercy route is designed to be unfun and boring to play through, where all of the fun you used to have is replaced with an eerie silence. Deltarune has the "Weird Route," which is its official name in the files, but most players referred to it as the "Snowgrave Route" when it was first discovered. The theme of this route is control; the player is in control of both Kris (the unwilling protagonist) and Noelle (Kris's childhood friend). The player forces Noelle to get stronger, to turn this game about defying fate into a typical RPG. It parallels the lack of control Kris has over their own actions. These videos are good explanations for the games, UNDERTALE LORE EXPLAINED in 40 MINUTES! and The DEFINITIVE Deltarune Iceberg Explained (Ch1-4)

Logo for Deltarune, 2018

About Fans

Undertale and Deltarune’s fanbase formed around the same core traits as the games. A lot of the audience treats both titles as mysteries to discover and decode. That allows its audience to form a high volume of theories. The community also has a strong fixation on morality, which extends from the game’s thematic focus on choice and consequence. Many of the people in the fandom tend to get quite toxic over their favorite characters, or if one of their favorite YouTubers doesn’t play the pacifist route before neutral. Creative output is another defining feature. The fanbase makes a lot of reinterpretations, alternate routes, and character studies at a rate not many others see.

About AUs

Undertale (and by association Deltarune) has many alternative universes created by its fandoms. I don’t believe Undertale was the first fandom to ever have AUs or the like, but it was one of the biggest games to make one for. This stems from the fact that Undertale’s saving and loading system is implemented in the game's metanarrative, allowing the player to reset the timeline to the beginning of the game at any time. Because of Undertale's vast amount of quirky characters, it’s easy to see how one might get attached to one and possibly want to see different versions of them.

AUs (short for alternative universes) are quite self-explanatory; they take the characters of this world and even the world itself and change them. Kindred Spirits was the first AU ever created and completed. It takes place after the Pacifist Route, where Frisk (The Protagonist of the game), in this version of events, links Asriel to their soul, preventing him from turning into a villain again. It was uploaded on Archive of Our Own by QuillSparks 

Logo/Cover art for Undertale Yellow, 2023

Currently, one of the most popular AUs is known as Undertale Yellow, which is a fan-made prequel to Undertale. MasterSwordRemix and their team created the game. It follows one of the previous humans to fall into the underground; they had the yellow soul, which represents justice. The fan game was given support by Toby Fox, Undertale’s creator, which made a lot of fans consider it as a “canon” prequel, which it isn’t, since the point of the unseen stuff in Undertale is that you are the one who makes it up, which means someone could see Undertale Yellow as being canon to the game.


Other well-known AUs are Underfell, where everyone in the underground is, quite frankly, cartoonishly evil. It is made by Vic the Underfella, and it was mainly active on Tumblr. Underswap, where each character has their personality/role swapped with another, for example, Toriel/Asgore, Sans/Papyrus, and Undyne/Alphys. It was made by  popcornpr1nce, who sadly doesn’t want to be associated with it anymore. And Glitchtale, a series uploaded on YouTube set after the game's pacifist ending, was created by Camila Cuevas and is unlikely to be continued. 

There are many other AUs out there, and many more being made right now. This fandom loves to be creative and make works of art. I’ve scrolled through several social media platforms and have seen beautiful pictures people have made with these characters. I think it’s amazing that these games can inspire so much joy and whimsy.

About Theorists

Works Cited

Crog. “UNDERTALE LORE EXPLAINED in 40 MINUTES!” YouTube, 8 oct. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td0Ps1CeLoQ. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

‌M3ow. “The DEFINITIVE Deltarune Iceberg Explained (Ch1-4).” YouTube, 28 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SF0uJHYJSo. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

‌Chang, Temmie, and Toby Fox. The Logo of Undertale., 15 Sept. 2015, upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/Undertale-logo.jpg. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

‌Fox, Toby. Official Logo for the Video Game Deltarune, an Undertale Spin-Off., Oct. 2018, deltarune.com. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

Collin. 9 Dec. 2023, upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Undertale_Yellow.png. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

Gabriel Iglesias: The Fluffy Fandom

Gabriel Iglesias 

    Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is widely known for his comedic standups. His sense of humor is spread throughout America through his stories about his life. Because of these stories multiple fans get to know him as a person with funny experiences and love him for it. Iglesias has grown many fans that love him for what he does and has grown fans who love him for who he is, some more intimate than others. Fans have also contributed through his personal experiences that he has retold for his comedy act or stories they created on their own about certain aspects towards Fluffy.Through these stories, Gabriel Iglesias remarks how much the fans truly love him and how much they are willing to go and do because of him. 

Kind Contributions

Fluffy with his Gift Baskets (10)

    Many fans who love a certain popular figure will contribute however they can. Sometimes gift giving is the way to go. Gabriel Iglesias testified through many of his shows that after shows, fans would give Iglesias food like chocolate cake despite saying only once that he likes chocolate cake (1). Other times it would be other kinds of food or items like presents that are Mexican in style. However there are times where gift giving becomes disruptive. During a show in Mobile, Alabama, one fan disrupted a show to give him a certain gift basket that is stereotypically related to Mexican Fluffy after hearing that Fluffy did it to a friend of his. Despite having kind intentions, the fan encounter made Fluffy nervous and had him end the show early due to this. Even though many people said to the fan to be angry at Iglesias, the fan maintained his adoration for him and made the effort to explain why he did what he did. In the end, both the fan and Iglesias took a photo together (2).

Famous Relationships

    Even though Fluffy has grown money and was able to buy his way into events like other comedians’ shows or enjoying his favorite musician, Vicente Fernandez, his own sense of comedy has done much more. Due to Fluffy’s comedy, he has established rapports with many famous people that are fans of him and because of this he was allowed to partake in many activities like becoming actors in movies, invited to other comedy shows, or even nominated to host the Oscars in 2019. Gabriel Iglesias entails that he has met and had been invited to do activities with them like starring in the movie Magic Mike with Channing Tatum. Because of who Fluffy is, Tatum became a fan and permitted him to be in the movie for him without having to audition (3). If Channing wasn't a fan, he would have chosen other actors to play his role through auditions rather than skipping it like Fluffy did. One time, he met Chris Rock by sneaking into the backstage of one of his shows. Instead of being kicked out, security let him in without checking confirmation because they were fans of him. When he met Chris Rock, he called Gabriel Iglesias the “King of the Mexicans" (4).

World Wide Expedition 

    The United States is the only country where Fluffy spread his comedy. Gabriel Iglesias traveled through many countries and continents to perform such as Mexico, Singapore, India, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was one place where travel seemed restricted to common people, however, a prince within Saudi Arabia became a fan and invited him to host a show. Within Saudi Arabia, the fans were immense in size. They understood American references and laughed along. One instance, they helped him overcome his culture shock (5). The same ordeal occurred in India, where a slight disturbance was instigated that made Fluffy nervous, and the fans tried to help him from the seats. They adore Fluffy and understand his culture shock and helped him rather than ridicule or make fun of the comedian.

Benefits from the Law

    

Fluffy being Frisked (11)

    Fluffy has encountered law enforcement over the course of his career. When pulled over for speeding, Fluffy received no ticket due the cop being a fan but most importantly, due to Fluffy making the cop laugh so much he almost lost his control over his bodily functions. Not only that, the cop himself had fun, pulling a prank on one of Fluffy’s companions within his vehicle. Another time a police department asked Fluffy to perform a show and sent a cop car to his house. To make matters more beneficial, the cop allowed Iglesias to use his speaker to prank his family (6). While traveling through a immigration checkpoint, law enforcement recognized him and took pictures with him. Iglesias asked to do a prank with them for a comedian Trevor Noah. Instead of outright denying, they played along. The benefits only go so far to those who only recognize him. Those who don't would go through the procedure as normal. When Fluffy passed through an immigration checkpoint, something alerted a sniffer dog that made Fluffy and his crew patted down, despite having his face on the side of the bus where they are being patted down. Even though he is being cornered by officers, Fluffy is still being recognized by his fans in passing cars, which alerted the immigration officers that he is who he said he is (7).

Extreme Fans

    There are times where fans have done where the majority of the fans would not have done. As stated before, a fan created a gift basket for Fluffy and gave it to him during a show which caused a disruption and ended the show early. Another extreme interaction occurred when a rich businessman paid his way into Gabriel Iglesias dressing room while he was taking a shower. The reason for the break-in was that the business had an attraction for him and wanted him to be his lover. The businessmen offered him a whole Lexus as an incentive and a high pay rate (8). The sexual attraction towards Fluffy doesn't occur with rich people but with the common fans as well. This comes to a point where one fan took advantage of Iglesias when he was drunk and made advances towards him. The advances were getting to the point where the bartender himself tried to warn Iglesias. Fluffy has many fans that are sexually attracted to him in public life and in online life, as well. Fanfiction and short stories were made to explain their desires towards him and stories that are related to what he does in movies or tv shows. Some are simple love stories between the writer and Fluffy, or Fluffy and other actors. Some, however, are highly sexual and graphic with the same dynamic.

References

1. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2010, May 3). "Latino TV, Soda & Cake" - Gabriel Iglesias (From Hot & Fluffy comedy special) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SsBS9tRdH4
2. Netflix is a Joke. (2020, September 30). The Story of Gabriel Iglesias and the Racist Gift Basket | Netflix is A Joke [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEHNiD907EA
3. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2013, May 28). "The Magic Mike Story" - Gabriel Iglesias (from: Aloha Fluffy) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYEoap0-Jzk
4. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2024, September 12). Fluffy Meets Chris Rock | Gabriel Iglesias [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6O08TUTxuU
5. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2024, June 15). Fluffy Bits Season 3 Episode 17 | Gabriel Iglesias [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMcr6aHfDGE
6. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2023, August 19). Top 5 Fluffy vs The Cops | Gabriel Iglesias [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxfooz17hsY
7. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2019, November 21). Fluffy and Trevor Noah Once Toured Together | Gabriel Iglesias [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vum9TG_6kag
8. Iglesias, G. [fluffyguy]. (2020, February 14). Love Has No Boundaries | Gabriel Iglesias [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEdIPk1L1RU
9. Archives of our Own. (n.d). Works in Gabriel Iglesias (TV). https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Mr*d*%20Iglesias%20(TV)/works
10. Iglesias, G. (2012 September 30). Fluffy with his Gift Baskets [Status Update]. Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/photo/fbid=10151251758014602&set=a.10151038328704602
11. Iglesias, G. (2010 August 10). Fluffy being Frisked [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/GabrielIglesias/photos/a.427309009601/460974429601/?id=58407459601

ZB1: Fandom Zerose

ZB1 members (3).

ZB1 was made from a survival show in 2023 and debuted in the same year (4). Their contract will only last two years and a half (4). They are a nine member boy group (4). Zerose is the fandom name of this group. A member in this band named Jiwoong says,"In ZEROBASEONE, if you take out ZB1 (ZeBaOne), we are left with 'Rose.' So if you add ZB1 and Rose together, it becomes ZEROBASEONE. It means ZB1 and Rose are one" (14). ZB1 members being on the survival show helped them get popular. ZB1 getting popular will lead to the actions of the fans in the fandom. Some of the actions will be good and the other part won't be as good. Zerose has a lot of fan art for people to see. There will be fan art that you like and don't like. Just like any other fandom in the world, they have fan fiction for people to read and engage with. Another action the fandom has is high engagement and passion toward the group.

High engagement and passion

Zerose supports ZB1 in many ways that will help them grow as a group. The fandom helped the group surpass the limit of a million-sales mark from each release (1). This is a way for the group to continue to grow and get popular. That detail shows how invested the fandom is into the group and looks out for them. There can be people in some fandom that take things a little too far. People in the fandom start to notice that other people are trying to make ZB1 the top boy band (2). If the group doesn't have as many views and aren't on a chart, they make it seem like it's a big deal (2). People like this won't back down because they think the interest should be at the top. If you don't like that it happens, then you can either come at them or just ignore it. You will notice that they love to make different types of fan art. 

Fan art 

Darker theme (7).

You can find fan art on Pinterest, Reddit, Etsy, X, and more. You will see lots of different styles on Pinterest (5). You will see a photo that looks like it is a cartoon and manga/anime style (6). It gives a cute vibe to it as well (6). There are a lot of people who make the opposite vibes. This photo gives a vibe that is darker than the other one (7). You will also see videos of fans making fan art out of sketches (8). Reddit and X have the same type of platform. I found out that you have to search up on the website or app what you want to see. As an example, search up Zerose fan art and you will see people's posts; along with peoples comments. Etsy is used for people buying many different fan art and merchandise. Another type of art the fans make is fan fiction. 

Lighter theme (6).

Fan fiction 

The fans in the fandom like to make fan fiction out of the different members (9). Adding on to that, some fans like to focus on making them sound queer (10). This type of writing is something people can hardly stop because people will do what they like. This behavior can make people go against the other fans because they don't like it and want to attack them. The places you can see fan fiction are Reddit, Wattpad, TikTok, and more. You will do the same thing on Reddit as I explained in the fan art section. Wattpad has its own section for fan fiction. Other than that, you can search up any type of fan fiction you want. Wattpad is a place for Zerose to post their book fan fiction rather than short story fan fiction. There is a section on TikTok just for the fan fiction (13). It looks like people are just talking about the different fan fictions (13).  

In Conclusion

This band was made during a survival show and gained lots of fans (4). The fans in the fandom played their part for the band. The fandom worked their way around making different types of fan art and fiction. Not only do they have artistic mindsets, the fandom has a good sense of engagement and passion for the group. This fandom most likely shares the same characteristics as other fandoms in the world. That means you will expect to see the good and the bad parts in this fandom as in others. Would you check out this group and the fandom a little more? 

Work Cited 

1. Nova,. (2025, October 28). Zerobaseone's Record Album Sales Cement Global K-Pop Status. Kpopmap. https://www.kpopmap.com/zerobaseones-record-album-sales-cement-global-k-pop-status/
2. 2014, Yayeet. [Yayeet2014]. (n.d.). I genuinely wish the ZB1 Fandom would stop being so obsessed with trying to make them the top boy group [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/kpoprants/comments/1csaxz9/
3. 714 [@714]. (n.d.). Zerobaseone zb1 group photo ot9 icon Iq [Photograph]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8022105581694458/
4. Zerobaseone (ZB1) Members Profile. (2023, April 21). KProfiles. Retrieved December 4, 2025,  https://kprofiles.com/zerobaseone-members-profile/
5. N.N. (n.d.). https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/q=Zerobaseone%20fanart&rs=typed
6. Maqqle [@zb_nyan]. (n.d.). Zb1 fanart [Photograph]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/196117758771167422/
7. Shen, Ricky [@Re0_iui]. (n.d.). N.C [Photograph]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/71283606600034271/
8. N.L., Sara. [@art4hoon]. (2023, October 3). Ricky when I catch u Ricky!!! [Video]. Tiktok. https://www.tiktok.com/@art4hoon/video/7285754237471034657
9. boo_seok_soon, [r/zerobaseone]. (n.d.). ZB1 fanfiction statistics (AO3) [online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/zerobaseone/comments/13gk6lv/
10. renjunpopper, [r/zerobaseone]. (n.d.). I think Zerose focus on the members' sexualities a little too much [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/zerobaseone/comments/1nmtzr0/
11. Wattpad. (n.d.). [Brief description of page content]. Wattpad. https://www.wattpad.com/search
12. Wattpad. (n.d). [Brief description of page content]. Wattpad. https://www.wattpad.com/search/Zerose%20fan%20fiction
13. #zerobaseonefanfic. (n.d.). TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/tag/zerobaseonefanfic
14. Moreau, Bunnie. (2023, May 1). Zerobaseone Announces Official Fandom Name and Reveals the Special meaning Behind It. Koreaboo. https://www.koreaboo.com/news/zerobaseone-official-fandom-name-zerose-meaning/

Seattle Seahawks Fandom

    When you think of the Seattle Seahawks you can't help but think of the fans. They have become one of the most well known fanbases in all of sports. Known for their loyalty and the unmatched energy they bring to each game. They earned themselves the nickname of the 12's. This is due to the impact they an have on the game, its likes having an extra player. The stadium is also engineered to help concentrated the sound down onto the field. This creates difficulty in play calling and confusion for the other team.

40th anniversary of the #12 being retired for the fans (2)

   Record Noise

    The crowd has set multiple records for the loudest stadium. They reached 137.6 decibels, about the equivalent of a jet engine if standing 100 feet away (6). In 2011 their star running back Marshawn Lynch had an incredible run that erupted the stands. The crowd erupted so big on this run it actually was picked up as an earthquake (4) on local seismographs. The play was called the beast quake (5), combining Marshawn's nickname Beast Mode and the earthquake he caused. 

Actor Rainn Wilson raising the 12 flag before a game (7)

Honoring Fans

    Seahawks start each home game by honoring a special guest with raising the 12 flag in the stadium. This is usually a former great seahawks player, but they also have special guests. Some of these guests have included actors, celebrities such as Bill Nye, a cancer survivor, and a Vietnam war hero (8). Fan involvement is a huge identity for who this Seahawks team is. By brining back former hall of fame players to get both the crowd and players hyped for the game helps keep that energetic atmosphere that is extremely challenging for opposing teams to come and play at. 

Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk at a game (3)

    Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk

    All sports teams have the super fans that go all out every game. The ones that put on their custom uniforms they made and paint their faces. For the Seahawks these fans are Jeff and DEDE Schumaier; and they took being a super fan to the next level. They have earned themselves the nickname Mr and Mrs. Seahawk. On game days they wake up at 3 am and paint the hawks logo across their faces. Then suit up with their custom #12 jerseys with the names Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk written across the back along with their blue and green wigs. The Seattle Met shared when these super fans made, "their decision to get married at the 50-yard-line of the Kingdome before a game against the Washington Redskins in 1998. “We did our wedding vows, and after we kissed my best man handed me a paper bag with my wig in it,” Jeff says. “So that’s how I rolled for the rest of the day: a white tux and a blue wig”"(1).  Moments like this show how deeply connected people can be to their favorite team. To spend one of the most important days of your life at your favorite stadium show how truly meaningful being apart of this community is to them.

Sources 

1. Halverson, M. (2014, August 19). Seahawks superfans: Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk. Seattle Met. https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2014/08/seahawks-superfans-mr-and-mrs-seahawk-september-2014 

2. SeahawksWire. (2024, December 15). On this day in history: Seahawks retire No. 12 for the fans, 40 years ago. USA Today. https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2024/12/15/on-this-day-in-history-seahawks-retire-no-12-for-the-fans-40-years-ago/77009949007/ 

3. Skager, S. (2011, January 13). Mr. and Mrs. Seahawk: True-blue Auburn couple savors thrill, honor as super fans. Auburn Reporter. https://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/mr-and-mrs-seahawk-true-blue-auburn-couple-savors-thrill-honor-as-super-fans/ 

4. Koin 6 news, (2014, January 12). Beast quake: Seahawks fans rock stadium again. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSt0-jp3wAs 

5. jordypa, (2011, January 8). Marshawn Lynch Beast Quake Run Playoffs 2011 in HD. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2hOgbq2myA 

 

6. Pompliano, J. (2023, January 9). Why the Seahawks' stadium is SO Loud. TikTok.

 https://www.tiktok.com/@joepompliano/video/7186788920565255470?lang=en

 

7. Seattle Seahawks. (2023, January 1). Rainn Wilson raises the 12 Flag. Seahawks.com. https://www.seahawks.com/photos/photos-12-flag-raiser-rainn-wilson-2022-week-17-jets#df921985-1340-418a-8f11-9c05d6baa272 

8. Seattle Seahawks. 12 Flag Raisers. Seahawks.com. https://www.seahawks.com/fans/the-12s/flag/#:~:text=PHOTOS:%20Seahawks%20Legends%20Brandon%20Mebane,5%20on%20October%205%2C%202025. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fandom

 As you walk into Raymond James Stadium, located in the bay of Tampa, you will see a sea of red jerseys and people dressed up as pirates. You will see a life-sized Pirate ship and hear the loyal fans chanting for the team they love. Fans will arrive at the parking lot extra early to ensure they can secure a good tailgating spot and have time to grill their barbecued treats. The "Krewe" is what the loyal fans of the team call themselves, referring to their team's name, the Buccaneers. The team has not always performed well. There were years when they missed the playoffs year after year, but that didn't stop the loyal fan base from being very supportive.

Tailgating

The loyal fans of the Buccaneers waste no time going to the parking lot so they can meet with their fellow Buccaneers fans and get ready. They start off by getting parked and setting up their team flags with the bright red colors to show their support for the team and organization. Once everyone sets up all their tents and gear to tailgate, it's time to start firing up the grills and cooking the assortment of barbecued foods that they eat. Some of the food can be arranged from burgers to hot dogs, and many more delicious foods that they spend time on (2). The fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among the most energetic in the entire NFL. That's why they waste no time getting hyped up for the game. They will turn on the speakers and blast hype up music to get ready for the game in the afternoon. They will also get out yard games like cornhole, football, and cup pong (1). Tailgating isn't always about drinking and acting silly; the Krewe tailgates not only to show support but also to meet new people with similar interests.

The cove and the pirate ship 

The pirate ship is located in the stadium and plays a vital role on gameday. The ship is in a part of the stadium called the cove, and this part of the stadium is easily one of the most popular around the stadium. No matter what age group there is, it is very popular. The important role it plays is when the buccaneers score a touchdown, the ship will fire its loud cannons, and the crowd will go wild. Fans can go into the ship and watch the game from there on the flat screen TVs in there. Kids mostly go on the ship and pretend they are real pirates on the ship. The ship also serves as a pretty good-looking background while the teams are playing.

Fan chants 

The fans are very proud of the team they watch every week, so they will get into the game and make loud chants to get the crowd energized. One of the most popular chants is "fire the cannons," which refers to the pirate ship firing its cannons after the team scores (2). Another popular chant is "Go Bucs," which is repeated multiple times by the crowd, growing louder each time. The fans do these chants not only to have fun but to also give the team a moral boost while they are on the field playing. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dressing up

The fan base takes dressing up and wearing the team's jersey very seriously; whether they are at the game or at a bar watching, they will go all out to show their support for their team. Many fans will wear their jerseys with their favorite player to show their support not only for the team but the player. One of the most popular jersey types is the Buccaneers Creamsicle jersey, which was introduced in 1976, and it represents the struggles the organization went through to build a successful program (6). Another very popular way to show support is to dress up as a pirate to show support for the name "Buccaneers" (2). The fans do this not only to have fun and look cool but to also show their support for the team playing.

                                                              Reference Page

(1). Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (2025). Buccaneers.com. https://www.buccaneers.com/fans/gameday-traditions

(2). Staff, B. R. (2024, May 2). Game Day Traditions of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans - Bucs Report. Bucs Report. https://bucsreport.com/2024/05/02/game-day-traditions-of-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-fans/

(3). Reddit - The heart of the internet. (2023). Reddit.com. https://www.reddit.com/r/buccaneers/comments/180xx9a/buccaneers_fans_what_do_you_call_yourselves/

(4).https://www.facebook.com/groups/TampaBayBuccaneersFanHQ/

(5). Sports Architecture in Comparison - The Arena and Stadium. (n.d.). ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/sports-stadium-and-arena-architecture-4065276

(6). Laine, J. (2025, July 15). Tampa Bay Buccaneers reveal throwback uniforms - ESPN. ESPN.com; ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45746483/tampa-bay-buccaneers-throwback-uniforms-creamsicle

(7). Gaydos, R. (2022, November 13). German NFL fans belt out John Denver classic in inspiring rendition during Bucs-Seahawks game. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/german-nfl-fans-belt-out-john-denver-classic-in-inspiring-rendition-during-bucs-seahawks-game

Chicago Cubs

Home of the cubs -MLB

Filled with over forty thousand seats of red, white, and blue roaring fans, supporting their National League baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. The collective name for this fandom is known as the Cubbies, and this takes place in the stadium named Wrigley Field, located in Chicago, Illinois. The environment is decorated with its iconic ivy-colored brick outfield walls and large Jumbotrons, along with a large city and electrifying crowd. These seats are supported by a spiritually devoted organization and one of the most passionate fan bases to ever exist! Despite the century plus drought of the Cubs' shortcomings with their appearances in the World Series Championships, the fans' loyalty makes these fans super compared to most, throughout those hard years and now, for what they have done to support their hometown baseball team.

Response To The Billy Goat Curse

Team Logo

 

The fans have shown their loyalty throughout 108 years of being curse by Billy the goat in 1945, with the team going through a rough patch of losing series after series of championships. This event took place when in game four of the World Series for the Cubs against the Detroit Tigers, a Chicago bar owner, William Sianis and his pet goat were not allowed in for the game. The owner shouted in frustration to security, “You are going to lose this World Series and you are never going to win another World Series again,” the bar owner proclaimed after they were denied entry (7). Therefore, the Cubs end up losing the series to the Detroit Tigers after this event occurred. During those tough years of losing, Billy Goat's nephew and new Billy Goat Tavern owner, Sam Sianis, with the help of

Billy Goat at Tavern in Chicago. -ESPN 

Tribune columnist, Dave Condon, brought the goat to Wrigley in an attempt to lift the curse. "The goat was escorted to Wrigley in a white limousine, and given a red carpet entrance to the park with a sign saying, All is forgiven. Let me lead the Cubs to the pennant"(7). This shows the extraordinary effort by the fans to help break this curse and put the baseball team back into business.

Game Traditions 

On game day, fans carry traditions before, during, and after games to separate themselves from ordinary fans. One tradition is taken place during the game when catching a home run ball but throwing it back. This is once in a lifetime thing for most people, however, at the home field of Wrigley Field it is not for cubs fans. The fans end up throwing the ball back only if it is hit by the opposing team because of stipulations. "As the chants to throw it back begin, the pressure mounts. Do you throw back what is likely the only home run ball you will ever catch or do you risk being mauled?" (5). This shows the fan 

Fans celebrating after Cubs winning

 willingness to a personal souvenir in response to the chanting, shows the dedication of the fans putting the team's identity over their own personal gain to carry the tradition. Another one is when Cubs fans hold up white flags with blue W's on it and sing together, "Go! Cubs! Go!" after a win to celebrate the team success at the end of a game. Additionally, when the cub fans sing, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch, which was started by a sports announcer, Harry Caray (8). The purpose of chant was to continue it because of Caray’s death, the Cubs have worked hard to keep the tradition alive. Typically, a celebrity comes out and leads the crowd through the seventh inning staple and gets the players hyped up. 

Captain Cubbo

One fan that stands out from the other fans is Captain Cubbo, his real name is Roberto Ramos, and he grew up across the street from Wrigley Field. This fan took the idea of dressing up as a superhero with a mask and cape to attend Cubs games. He mentions that, "I put a mask over my head, a cape on my back and a Chicago Cubs jersey across my chest. I took many pictures with Cubs fans and was also interviewed at the convention. The fans were excited about my character, but some thought I was a luchador, or wrestler. I had to stop and correct them by saying, I’m Puerto Rican, not Mexican. I am not a wrestler, but what I am is Captain Cubbo. This is how the character was born"(9). This character has an influence on the fans as he has multiple social media pages like Instagram or TikTok, to entertain players and fans by showing his obsession over the cubs. His room is filled with posters, jerseys, collectables, and more that demonstrate his love and passion for the Cubs baseball team. 

Fandom Interaction 

The Chicago Cubs media has a YouTube channel in the format of answering fans' questions that range from media about life, dating, and, of course, baseball. The team's social media calls it "Call to the Bullpen," and it is a fun way for players to interact with each other and connect with the fans who love their team. One funny question a fan asked was, "I was coming back from the bar the other night, with my rideshare driver asked if he could stop at the drive-through. I was so surprised all I could say was okay, but then I stood all the way home as he scarfed down a cheeseburger. Help confirm I'm not crazy, that was a weird request, right?" and Chicago Cubs player Anthony Rizzo responds, "Absolutely not... on the way home from a bar, fast food, and you didn't order anything. You are crazy" (10). This interaction shows how these big-time players don't just care about themselves and are willing to take the time to have open ears with the fans and give them their attention. Furthermore, when fans are not watching a game, they can access a fan page to make online comments about rumors, stats, scores, trades, and more. One webpage by the name of "Bleed Cubbie Blue" gives fans this opportunity to interact. For example, one fan said on a rumor about trading a player that "David Haugh said if Tarik Skubal trade talks are real, the Cubs need to be involved, going as far as saying he'd do the Tucker Trade/equivalent for Skubal. What do you think? Do the Cubs have to ammo to compete for the best offer? And is that something you're ready and willing do?"(2). This highlights fans coming together to pour their attention to the Cubs and their production overall.

Final Thoughts

Like many sports teams, it comes with entertaining fan bases, but not quite like the tradition and support of these Cubs fans. Through songs to wearing costumes, these fans make the sports team much more enjoyable than just the game itself. You get to make everlasting memories with friends and family through watching and supporting the Chicago Cubs baseball team, which you will pass down to your kids for generations to continue. Go! Cubs! Go!

1. References

   • 1. “50 Facts About Chicago Cubs.” Facts.net, https://facts.net/lifestyle/sports/50-facts-about-chicago-cubs/. 

   • 2. Barr, Mike. “Chicago Cubs Top 5 Game Day Traditions.” Bleacher Report, 15 Aug. 2013, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1418470-chicago-cubs-top-5-game-day-traditions. 

   • 3. Bleed Cubbie Blue. Bleed Cubbie Blue, https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/. 

   • 4. “Chicago Cubs Fan Art.” Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/chicago-cubs-fan-art/907296420880/. 

   • 5. “Cubs Ballpark.” MLB.com, https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025. 

   • 6. “Go Cubs Go.” YouTube, uploaded by Steve Goodman, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A9XtDyDUjIU. 

   • 7. “HvTBvR2A9r0.” YouTube, uploaded by La Vida Baseball, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvTBvR2A9r0. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025. 

   • 8. “huGrzs6Ze_g.” YouTube, uploaded by MLB, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huGrzs6Ze_g. 

   • 9. “Japanese Cubs Superfan.” The Japan Times, 14 Mar. 2025, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/03/14/baseball/mlb/japanese-cubs-superfan/. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025. 

   • 10. Kress, Bryan. “Beyond the Ivy Walls: The Enduring Passion of Chicago Cubs Supporters.” Ticketmaster Blog, 15 May 2024, https://blog.ticketmaster.com/chicago-cubs-fans/. 

   • 11. “Kris Bryant & Anthony Rizzo Answer Fan Questions | Call to the Bullpen.” YouTube, uploaded by MLB, 11 June 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP7IbfKXZC8. 

   • 12. “The Legend of the Billy Goat Curse.” Billy Goat Tavern, https://www.billygoattavern.com/legend/curse/. 

   • 13. “qraVPyZxlTo.” YouTube, uploaded by Earth Cam, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qraVPyZxlTo. 

   • 14. “Sports Curses: Chicago Cubs Win First World Series Since 1908.” History.com, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-3/sports-curses-chicago-cubs-world-series. 

   • 15. “¡Fanáticos! How One Cubs’ Superfan Became Captain Cubbo.” La Vida Baseball, 20 Sept. 2017, https://lavidabaseball.com/fanaticos-captain-cubbo-cubs-superfan/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025. 

   • 16. @CaptainCubbo. “[First few words or brief description of reel].” Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ9X91Pjq2a/?igsh=YnR5cHQ1aGUyNTE%3D. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025. 

   • 17. @Captaincubbo16. “[First few words or brief description of TikTok].” TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@captaincubbo16/photo/7563784226382908703?_r=1&_t=ZP-91xP8L5AWNj. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.