
Some people collect coupons. Others chase loyalty rewards. But would you legally change your name for free beer? Busch Light thinks at least one person will, and they're betting big on it.
The beer company has launched what might be the most committed marketing campaign of 2025: offering 19 years' worth of beer money to one person willing to legally change their name to "Hunter" and the contest runs through October 13. This isn’t about a social media handle change or a fun nickname for the weekend. This requires actual paperwork, legal fees, and explaining to your family why you're now officially called Hunter.
The Deal That's Got People Talking
Here's what's on the table: the winner gets a $5,500 prepaid card, which breaks down to roughly one 30-pack of Busch Light per month for 19 years. The company will also cover all the legal fees and paperwork involved in officially changing your name. That's essentially $24 worth of beer money each month until 2044.
More than 2,000 fans have already expressed interest by posting on Busch Light's social media using the hashtags #BecomeAHunter and #Sweepstakes. The enthusiasm has been surprising, even to marketing experts who thought the bar for promotional stunts couldn't get any higher.
"We're celebrating our shared love for the great outdoors with not only new Busch Light Hunting Cans, but also a hunt for fans who'd honor the sport by changing their name"
Also read: Save big on dinner: 5 Costco meals under $18 that will feed the whole family
Why "Hunter" Needs Saving
The campaign isn't just a publicity stunt—there's some interesting data behind it. According to Busch Light, the name Hunter has dropped 93% in popularity over the past five years. While that specific statistic is difficult to verify independently, broader naming trend data does show Hunter's decline from its heyday.
The name Hunter peaked in popularity around 2000, when over 12,000 babies were given the name annually. Since then, it's been on a steady downward trajectory as parents increasingly choose more unique or modern-sounding names for their children.
The Psychology of Extreme Marketing
This campaign reflects a broader trend in marketing where brands compete not just for attention, but for genuine commitment from consumers. Remember when people tattooed company logos for free food? Or legally changed their names for fast food chains? Busch Light is tapping into that same psychology, but with a twist that connects to their core audience.
This stunt coincides with the 19th annual release of their hunting cans—camouflaged beer containers that have become a tradition among outdoor enthusiasts. The company has built a strong following in hunting communities, and this campaign doubles down on that identity in the most literal way possible.
Also read: A Michelin-star secret now sits on Trader Joe’s shelves
Legal Name Change Basics
Filing a petition with your local court
Paying fees ranging from $150-$500 depending on your state
Publishing a notice in a local newspaper
Appearing before a judge
Process can take 2-8 weeks
Must update all documents including Social Security, driver's license, passport, and financial accounts
The Gathering of Hunters
The campaign culminates in what might be the most niche party of the year: a "Hunter Gathering" in Appleton, Wisconsin on November 16, described as one of the largest private gatherings of people named Hunter. Attendees—whether born Hunter or newly christened—will enjoy hunting games, merchandise giveaways, and an appearance by the Busch Guy mascot.
The event is open to anyone named Hunter, those willing to change their name, or just dedicated hunting enthusiasts and Busch Light fans. It's essentially a real-world meetup for people who take brand loyalty very seriously.
The Practical Perspective
For anyone actually considering this offer, there are practical considerations beyond the novelty. Legal name changes create paperwork headaches that extend far beyond the initial court filing. Every account, subscription, professional license, and official document needs updating. Your credit history follows your old name until you establish a paper trail with the new one.
That said, $5,500 is real money, and for someone already fond of the name Hunter—or perhaps looking for a fresh start anyway—it's not the worst deal in promotional history.
Did you know?
Did you know? The most expensive legal name change in US history occurred in 2008 when a man paid $50,000 in legal fees to change his name to "Snaphappy Fishsuit Mokiligon" as part of an elaborate art project. Most name changes cost under $500 and take about a month to complete.
Modern Brand Loyalty Taken to Extremes
This campaign says something interesting about where you are as consumers. Brand loyalty once meant choosing Pepsi over Coke or Ford over Chevy. Now it apparently means altering your legal identity for a beverage company. Whether that's amusing or concerning probably depends on your perspective.
For Busch Light, the campaign is already a success regardless of whether anyone actually changes their name. Thousands of people are talking about their brand, sharing their content, and associating themselves with their outdoor lifestyle messaging. That's marketing gold in an attention-scarce world.
Also read: Stop overpaying at the grocery store: 11 Dollar Tree food finds that can save you big!
What You Need to Know About This Unusual Contest
- Contest runs through October 13, 2025, requiring social media posts with specific hashtags
- Winner receives $5,500 prepaid card plus coverage of legal name change costs
- Over 2,000 people have already expressed interest in participating
- Special Hunter Gathering event planned for November 16 in Wisconsin
- Campaign highlights how modern marketing pushes boundaries of consumer commitment
Read next:
- Shake Shack rolls out October BOGO burger deals—grab yours before they’re gone
- National Taco Day finally lands on Taco Tuesday—and restaurants are rolling out big deals
Would you change your name for 19 years of free beer? Do you know anyone named Hunter who should throw their hat in the ring? Or do you have a favorite hunting or beer story to share?