Time Person of the Year 2025 Betting Odds and Predictions

Artificial Intelligence (-125 at BetUS, +100 at BetOnline)

It’s very difficult to go a day without interacting with or hearing about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in some capacity or another. AI has manifested itself in society at a record pace and isn’t going anywhere.

Similar to when the internet was introduced in the 1980s, AI is a cultural and technological phenomenon that immediately had a ripple effect on society. As AI continues to mature, it will undoubtedly be a driving force for the way people live daily.

It’s important to note that AI is much more than simply ChatGPT, Gemini, and the variety of other AI chatbots. AI is involved in most industries now, including healthcare, automotive, marketing, and even AI sports picks!

As the betting favorite, AI is the most likely winner of the 2025 Time Person of the Year. Note that it was among the favorites when the Time’s Person of the Year betting odds opened initially for last year. However, it fell off and ultimately finished as the ninth-likeliest choice.

AI’s Influence in 2025

AI largely took center stage when ChatGPT was introduced in November 2022. It had been working behind the scenes in some pieces of software previously, but didn’t feel as influential before the launch of ChatGPT.

In 2025, AI is deeply entrenched in everyday use. Whether it’s behind the scenes or readily available, AI has likely played a role at least once during your day. For instance, car manufacturers have fully embraced AI in 2025.

Along with being integrated into the engineering and development process of vehicles, AI is involved when driving, including voice commands and sensors that inhibit self-driving technology.

This AI band just hit 1 million Spotify listeners.

No real members, shows, or past.
Everything about them—music, photos, branding—is AI-generated.

But they are topping Spotify's Viral 50 charts in the UK, Sweden, & Norway. pic.twitter.com/D5M5BRxq1x

— Jeremy Kuo (@jeremykuoo) July 11, 2025

However, perhaps the biggest impact has been the proliferation of AI-generated videos and photos. Whether for good, bad, comedy, or work, AI is at the forefront in video making.

Additionally, AI music has taken on a prominent role. In July, a rock band, which has generated over a million monthly Spotify listeners, was revealed as an AI band!

Pope Leo XIV (+125 at BetUS)

For the first time in its roughly 2,000-year history, an American-born pope leads the Catholic Church. On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected by his peers at the Vatican.

The self-described Chicago White Sox fan is in the running to grace the cover of the magazine later this year. Currently, the Time’s Person of the Year 2025 odds give Pope Leo XIV a strong chance of being named.

He took over the position following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025. Francis was a beloved Pope, with Pope Leo inheriting big shoes to fill. It wouldn’t be the first time that a Pope is named.

Three Popes have been honored as Time’s Person of the Year: John XXIII (1962), John Paul II (1994), and Francis (2013). Francis was heavily favored to win in 2013, and 12 years later, the head of the Catholic Church would be on the cover of Time again!

Pope Leo XIV’s Influence in 2025

The biggest impact of Pope Leo being elected is his connection to the United States. There has never been an American-born Pope before, so the occasion was huge for American Catholics and society as a whole. It was breaking news on all major news programs for days after he took over the Vatican.

His appointment ties into Francis’ death, who was one of the most liked Popes of all time, or at least in the modern era. Taking on the role is a huge responsibility, but more than ever, following Francis has shone a huge spotlight on Pope Leo.

Paul Konerko got a special signed Pope Leo XIV jersey to kick off the 2005 World Series celebration pic.twitter.com/37VcdpgsTi

— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) July 12, 2025

In any event, since Pope Leo is American and Time’s Magazine is an American publication, I think there is a greater likelihood that he’ll make it on the cover, in my opinion. Francis didn’t cause nearly as many shockwaves in 2013 as Pope Leo did in the United States in 2025.

With this in mind, there is a strong argument to make for Pope Leo XIV for your 2025 Time’s Person of the Year picks!

Donald Trump (+150 at BetUS and BetOnline)

After winning his second term in the White House in 2024, President Trump was named the 2024 Time Person of the Year. Similar to his first term, Trump has stayed in the news cycle nonstop since taking office in January.

If it feels like he is out of the spotlight for a minute, the polarizing president often finds a way to become the top news story. The Time’s Person of the Year goes to a figure or entity who has dominated the media game, so by that criterion (this isn’t an award based on accomplishments), Trump may win in back-to-back years!

Eight presidents have won Time’s Person of the Year twice, but only one in consecutive years. That honor belongs to Richard Nixon in 1971 and 1972. He and Joseph Stalin are the only repeat winners, though Franklin Roosevelt came close, as he was named the recipient in 1932 and 1934.

Donald Trump’s Influence in 2025

Trump’s influence this year has been undeniable. Whether you like him or not, he is the focal point of American society in 2025. Trump’s policies have often been controversial, including a hardline stance on immigration, which has prompted widespread arrests and raids throughout the country.

Moreover, Trump is a primary player in the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. He has also brought attention to himself for the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files recently. The Trump administration recently revealed that there isn’t a client list and the case is effectively closed.

President Trump on Israel and Iran: "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the fuck they’re doing." pic.twitter.com/xrztmebALZ

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025

If that isn’t enough, Trump’s tariff strategy has had a major influence not only in the United States but also around the world. Whether it’s tariffs or another issue, Trump will continue to influence life in one way or another.

That gives Trump a big chance to repeat as Time’s Person of the Year, but is there some fatigue among voters?