The Return of a Beloved Tradition: Roll Up the Rim 2025

In just under a week, Tim Hortons will bring back a fan-favorite tradition that has been a cornerstone of Canadian culture for decades: Roll Up the Rim to Win. Starting on February 24, 2025, the iconic contest will once again offer customers the chance to win exciting prizes, but this time, it’s making a nostalgic return to its physical roots after several years of being a digital-only experience. The reintroduction of the physical cups has not only excited loyal customers but has also caught the attention of a man who has become somewhat of a legend in the Roll Up the Rim community: Michael Wallace, a statistics professor at the University of Waterloo.

The Unlikely Champion: Michael Wallace and the Science of Winning

Michael Wallace, an associate professor specializing in statistics, first gained fame in 2020 when he cracked the code to maximizing his chances of winning the contest. By strategically waiting until the last day of the contest to play, Wallace won an astonishing 94 out of 96 times, achieving a nearly 98% success rate. His approach raised eyebrows at Tim Hortons, with some even questioning whether he had found a loophole or hacked the system. However, after explaining his strategy, Tim Hortons gave him their seal of approval, recognizing his clever use of statistical analysis.

Wallace’s success didn’t stop there. In 2023, he took his strategy to the next level by analyzing data provided by Tim Hortons through their app. By conducting more complex analysis, he developed a precise equation to determine the best time to play. His findings? 3:17 a.m. Eastern Time was the optimal moment to roll up the rim, while 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time was the worst, as it coincided with lunch hours in Ontario and breakfast in British Columbia, leading to higher competition. His strategies have made him a cult figure among Roll Up the Rim enthusiasts, and his expertise has even been sought after by national media outlets.

The Digital Shift and the Return of the Physical Cup

For the past few years, Roll Up the Rim had transitioned to a digital format, much to the disappointment of many long-time fans. Michael Wallace, too, felt the shift, admitting that he took a hiatus from the contest in 2024 because he felt there were “no more mountains left to conquer” in the digital version. However, with the return of the physical cups for a limited run, Wallace is back in the game, eager to test his theories once again. This year’s contest will offer customers two chances to win: one through the physical cup and another in the digital space. For those who opt to bring in a reusable mug, they’ll receive two digital chances instead, a strategy Wallace highly recommends.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Odds

While Wallace has not yet had the chance to test his theories for the 2025 contest, he’s shared his insights with Global News to help others increase their chances of winning. His key advice? Play during off-hours. “In principle, you should be able to choose a time to play that will give you better odds,” he explained. “That’s my theory.” He also warns that his predictions hinge on whether the contest’s rules remain the same as previous years. Based on his past experiences, he suggests avoiding peak times, such as 11:45 a.m. Eastern Time, when competition is likely to be fierce. Instead, he recommends trying your luck at 3:17 a.m. Eastern Time or on Sunday mornings, which he believes might offer better odds.

Wallace also advises players to experiment with their own strategies if they have the opportunity to accumulate enough plays. “If you can save up 50 rolls, you can try playing in different time slots to see what works best for you,” he suggested. For example, he recommends playing 10 rolls at a specific time to gauge your success rate before deciding whether to continue or try a different time. This approach allows players to refine their strategy and maximize their chances of winning.

Teaching Through Tim Hortons: How Wallace Uses Roll Up the Rim in the Classroom

While Michael Wallace is best known for his Roll Up the Rim prowess, his expertise extends far beyond the coffee cup. As a professor, he uses his experiences as a teaching tool in the classroom, dedicating an entire lecture to the strategies he’s developed. “I take them through the labs and teach them the methods we need to cover,” he explained. “It’s a fun way to illustrate complex statistical concepts and show my students how these principles can be applied to real-life situations.” Wallace’s unique blend of academic rigor and pop culture has made him a beloved figure among his students, and his “weird story” of becoming the “Tim Hortons’ Roll up the Rim guy” has become a memorable part of his lectures.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Roll Up the Rim

The return of Roll Up the Rim to its physical roots has reignited the excitement and nostalgia that has made this contest a Canadian staple for so many years. For Michael Wallace, it’s not just about winning prizes; it’s about the intellectual challenge and the joy of sharing his knowledge with others. As the contest runs from February 24 to March 23, fans across the country will have the chance to roll up the rim once again, and with Wallace’s tips and tricks, they might just find themselves on a winning streak. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual player, Roll Up the Rim 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, blending tradition, strategy, and a little bit of luck.