Heated Rivalry Stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie to Ignite 2026 Olympics

The chemistry is moving from the rink to the relay. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the breakout stars of the hit ice hockey series Heated Rivalry, have been tapped as official torchbearers for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Heated Rivalry 2026 Olympics: From On-Screen Enemies to Torchbearers

According to HBO Max, the duo will carry the Olympic flame in Italy ahead of the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026. While their characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, are known for their fierce rivalry on the ice, Williams and Storrie will unite for this prestigious tradition. They join an elite list of previous celebrity torchbearers, including the likes of Halle Berry and David Beckham.

The news comes as HBO Max prepares to stream the Winter Games across the U.S. and Europe. By involving the stars of their most popular current series, the platform is strategically bridging the gap between scripted entertainment and live sporting events to capture a younger, global audience.

The Meteoric Rise of Williams and Storrie

Since its debut in November, Heated Rivalry has transformed the two actors into overnight sensations. Williams, 24, recently shared that he and Storrie had to learn in 30 days what most actors experience over 5 years. The fan frenzy was evident during Williams' recent late-night appearance on January 7, where crowds gathered overnight just for a glimpse of the actor.