When you think of luxury, fast cars, celebrity-packed events, and wild road trips across continents, the name Maximillion Cooper might not immediately come to mind. But behind the glitz and adrenaline of the world-famous Gumball 3000 rally stands one man – entrepreneur, race car driver, and former skateboarder Maximillion Fife Alexander Cooper. With a net worth of $60 million, Cooper’s journey from fashion design student to the mastermind of an international sensation is nothing short of fascinating.
Who Is Maximillion Cooper?
Born on June 7, 1972, in England, Maximillion Cooper has lived quite the multifaceted life. At 52 years old (as of 2024), he’s worn many hats – from skateboarding and racing to being a successful entrepreneur. But it’s the Gumball 3000 that has truly put him on the map.
Now, for those who might not be familiar, the Gumball 3000 isn’t your average car rally. Think of it as a luxurious road trip blended with fashion, music, and a hefty sprinkle of celebrity glamour. It’s part party, part car enthusiast heaven, and all-around jaw-dropping.
The Birth of the Gumball 3000
Back in 1999, Cooper wasn’t planning to start a global phenomenon. The first Gumball 3000 was more or less a fun road trip he organized with friends. The idea was simple: drive 3,000 miles on public roads while soaking in the experience and partying along the way. Sounds like the ultimate bucket list item, right?
What made the Gumball 3000 stand out was the unique blend of high-end cars, celebrity participants, and lavish events that followed the drivers from city to city. It was like Coachella on wheels. By the early 2000s, it had evolved from a small, underground rally to an exclusive, high-profile event. Celebrities like Lewis Hamilton, Usher, and David Hasselhoff were among the many who participated, making it even more of a spectacle.
How Gumball 3000 Became a Multi-Million Dollar Brand
The Gumball 3000 isn’t just about driving flashy cars. Over the years, Cooper transformed it into a whole lifestyle brand. The rally spun off into a clothing line, a documentary series, and even a charitable foundation. Today, participating in the Gumball 3000 can set you back over $100,000 – and that’s just the entry fee. Oh, and you have to bring your own luxury car.
Media attention skyrocketed after MTV’s “Jackass” featured the rally in 2000, showcasing the wild antics that occurred along the way. From then on, the rally attracted even more celebrities, billionaires, and influencers.
But Cooper wasn’t interested in making it a race. In fact, he’s famously kept the event prize-free, meaning there’s no official winner. The whole point? To enjoy the journey and make memories – safely. This emphasis on fun over competition has kept the Gumball 3000 unique.
Controversies Along the Road
Of course, when you have luxury cars flying down public roads, controversies are bound to pop up. The most infamous incident happened in 2007 when two bystanders were tragically killed by a speeding driver in Macedonia. The rally was canceled that year out of respect, but it resumed the following year with stricter safety measures.
Despite the occasional run-in with the law (think speeding tickets and confiscated cars), Cooper has remained committed to the idea that the Gumball 3000 isn’t a race. His team continuously reminds participants to abide by local traffic laws, emphasizing the road trip element over competition.
A Heart for Philanthropy
Beyond the fast cars and lavish parties, Cooper has a big heart for philanthropy. In 2013, he established the Gumball 3000 Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged youth in the UK. The foundation supports educational and environmental projects and partners with organizations like Tony Hawk’s Stand Up for Skateparks.
One standout moment was in 2014 when Cooper’s foundation donated $100,000 to Tony Hawk’s charity. They also funded trips for terminally ill children to Lapland, spreading a bit of joy during the holiday season. Cooper has cleverly used the rally’s high profile to raise millions for various causes over the years, turning the glitzy event into something with real impact.
Personal Life and Marriage to Eve
If Cooper’s professional life wasn’t captivating enough, his personal life adds another layer to the story. In 2014, he married rapper and actress Eve, making them one of the entertainment industry’s coolest power couples.
The pair first crossed paths in 2010 when Eve participated in the Gumball 3000, sponsored by Puma. Sparks flew, and by 2013, they were engaged. Their wedding in Ibiza the following year was as glamorous as you’d expect.
Eve has often spoken about how Cooper was her first interracial relationship, and the two have been candid about the learning experiences that came with it. Today, they remain happily married, sharing a blended family that includes Cooper’s four children from his previous marriage to Julie Brangstrup.
Cooper’s Rise to a $60 Million Net Worth
So how did Cooper amass his impressive $60 million net worth? It’s a combination of smart branding, entrepreneurship, and sheer creativity. The Gumball 3000 continues to grow, with merchandise, sponsorships, and even video game collaborations contributing to the revenue stream.
Additionally, Cooper’s background in fashion design (he studied at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design) gave him an edge in creating the stylish branding that defines the rally. From luxury streetwear to high-profile collaborations, Cooper knew how to blend the worlds of fashion and automotive culture seamlessly.
Looking to the Future
Even after two decades, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. The Gumball 3000 continues to evolve, with plans for more international routes, bigger celebrity participation, and even virtual events.
In the wake of COVID-19, the rally adapted by postponing events and focusing on virtual experiences, proving that the Gumball brand is flexible and future-proof. And with Cooper at the helm, you can bet that the next chapter will be just as exciting as the last.
Final Thoughts
Maximillion Cooper isn’t just a guy who loves fast cars. He’s a visionary who took a simple idea and turned it into a multi-million-dollar empire. At 52, his blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and philanthropy sets him apart as more than just a wealthy businessman.
Whether you know him from the Gumball 3000, his philanthropic efforts, or his marriage to Eve, one thing is clear – Cooper has built a legacy that’s as exciting as the cars he drives.
