Maximillion Cooper, a versatile entrepreneur, skateboarder, and former race car driver, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. He is best known for founding the Gumball 3000, an exclusive celebrity motor rally that he created in 1999. Initially an underground event, it evolved into a global phenomenon, extending to various business ventures, including fashion lines and charitable causes.
Cooper’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond Gumball 3000. A passionate skateboarder and businessman, he also explored race car driving. His personal life gained further media attention when he married rapper Eve in 2014. Together, they have appeared at numerous charity and racing events over the years.
Maximillion Fife Alexander Cooper was born on July 13, 1974, in England. He started his career in the fashion industry, having studied fashion at Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design. His early creative endeavors set the foundation for his later entrepreneurial success.
In 1999, Cooper launched the Gumball 3000, a 3,000-mile rally on public roads that continues to delight the rich and famous. The event often involves locations such as London and has evolved from a simple road trip with friends to a lavish affair for celebrities. It is a unique blend of cars, fashion, music, and entertainment.
The rally typically includes 120 celebrity drivers, with past participants like Lewis Hamilton, Xzibit, Usher, and David Hasselhoff. When Cooper first organized the Gumball 3000, it was more of an informal road trip. However, it quickly grew into a prestigious event requiring a hefty entry fee, initially set at $8,700.
The inaugural event in 1999 saw the rally travel from London to Rimini, Italy, with lavish parties and celebrity appearances. The event’s fame skyrocketed, particularly when media outlets covered it. Notably, the rally was free from competitive elements like race timing or prizes, emphasizing safety over competition.
Over the years, the Gumball 3000 expanded across Europe, attracting more celebrities and gaining widespread notoriety. However, legal issues surrounding speeding drivers began to surface. In 2007, two people died in Macedonia, leading to a temporary halt of the event. The rally resumed in 2008, with an ambitious route starting in San Francisco and ending at the Beijing Olympics.
By 2007, the entry fee had risen to £28,000 per driver, and the event continued to gain a reputation for attracting A-list celebrities. The cost of entry today exceeds $100,000, with new participants ranging from famous YouTubers to athletes. Unfortunately, the 2020 rally was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a planned route from Toronto to Havana.
While the Gumball 3000 has gained significant media attention, it has also been marred by controversy. Numerous drivers have faced legal trouble for speeding, with some having their licenses suspended. The 2007 incident in Macedonia, where two bystanders lost their lives, was particularly tragic.
In response, Cooper and the event organizers have emphasized that the Gumball 3000 is not a race, but rather a road trip designed to celebrate adventure and luxury. They stress the importance of adhering to speed limits and ensuring the safety of participants and bystanders.
The Gumball 3000 Foundation, established by Cooper, is a key part of the event’s ethos. This charitable organization focuses on helping underprivileged youth in the UK, supporting educational and environmental projects. Additionally, Cooper hosts an annual auction with proceeds benefiting various charitable causes.
The Gumball 3000 Foundation has partnered with notable organizations like Tony Hawk’s Stand Up for Skateparks. In 2014, Cooper’s foundation donated $100,000 to Hawk’s charity and funded a trip for terminally ill children through the When You Wish Upon A Star charity.
Cooper’s first marriage was to Julie Brangstrup in 2003. They had four children together before divorcing in 2010. Later, the rapper Eve joined the Gumball 3000 rally in 2010, and she and Cooper began dating. Three years later, they announced their engagement, and in 2014, they married in Ibiza.
Eve and Maximillion have since become a notable couple in the public eye. They also shared that their marriage was their first interracial relationship. The pair continues to build a life together, raising their children and supporting charitable causes.
