Cubs Pitcher Shota Imanaga Celebrates with Beer Splash

After the Cubs secured a postseason spot, pitcher Shota Imanaga celebrated by spraying beer onto his face in a playful, Japanese‑style ritual. The clip went viral, with teammates and fans sharing the footage online.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:26:20 GMT

When the Chicago Cubs clinched a National League wild‑card berth on September 24, 2026, the celebration in the clubhouse was nothing short of exuberant. Pitcher Shota Imanaga, who has been a key part of the team’s rotation all season, turned the moment into a viral spectacle by spraying beer directly onto his own head and face.

How the Celebration Unfolded

The game, played at Wrigley Field against the Miami Marlins, ended 2‑1 in favor of the Cubs. Seiya Suzuki’s 26th homer tied the game, and Nico Hoerner’s RBI single in the sixth inning secured the win. With the victory, Chicago earned a second straight postseason appearance.

After the final out, Imanaga grabbed two beer bottles, one in each hand, and explained the ritual to reporters. "This is Japanese style," he said, referencing the traditional Japanese cleansing practice known as misogi. He then turned both bottles toward himself, spraying streams of beer over his head while bobbing up and down. His teammates laughed and joined in, with some even showering him with champagne during an interview with Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor.

Team and Fan Reaction

The Cubs’ social media team capitalized on the moment, posting the clip with the caption, “Who needs bottle service when you have self‑service?” The video quickly amassed millions of views, trending on Twitter and TikTok as fans shared the clip with captions like “Beer splash champion” and “Cubs celebration 2026.”

Fans in the stadium and at home praised Imanaga’s playful spirit. Many noted that the celebration echoed the team’s overall positive energy, which has been a hallmark of the Cubs’ recent success. The viral clip also sparked discussions about the influence of cultural traditions in modern sports celebrations.

Imanaga’s Season and Career Highlights

At 33, Imanaga finished the 2026 season with an 11‑10 record and a 3.74 ERA. He struck out 171 batters over 173 ⅓ innings, maintaining his status as a reliable starter for the Cubs. The pitcher, who was an All‑Star in 2024, has a career ERA of 3.44 and a win‑loss record of 35‑21.

Last season, the Cubs posted a 92‑70 record, knocking out the San Diego Padres in the wild‑card round before falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. Imanaga’s contributions have been pivotal in keeping Chicago competitive, and his celebratory antics have added a memorable chapter to the franchise’s recent history.

What Comes Next for the Cubs

With the postseason now on the horizon, the Cubs will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see how the team will perform against a strong Dodgers lineup. Imanaga, who has been a staple of the starting rotation, is expected to pitch in the early rounds if health permits.

As the Cubs prepare for the playoffs, the team’s chemistry and celebratory spirit—embodied by moments like Imanaga’s beer splash—remain a key talking point. Whether the team can carry that energy into the postseason will be the next chapter in Chicago’s baseball story.

Key facts

Shota Imanaga sprayed beer on himself in a Japanese misogi ritual
The clip went viral, trending on social media
Cubs secured a playoff berth with a 2‑1 win over the Marlins
Imanaga finished 2026 season 11‑10, 3.74 ERA
Cubs will face Dodgers in NLDS

Why it matters

The Cubs’ celebration highlights the growing trend of athletes incorporating cultural traditions into public displays, engaging fans worldwide and adding a human touch to the sport.