In a surprising twist, the internet has declared that Nirvana’s iconic frontman, Kurt Cobain, is not the ultimate rockstar of all time. This revelation came after a highly engaging tournament hosted by Pubity, a publication dedicated to exploring global youth culture and entertainment. The tournament, which kicked off on January 27, invited followers to participate by voting in each round via the publication’s Instagram Story, creating an exciting buzz among fans.

Throughout the competition, Cobain showcased his popularity by defeating notable rock legends such as Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and in the semi-finals, Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. Ultimately, however, the late Elvis Presley emerged as the champion of this thrilling contest.

If you’re curious about the matchups that led to this decision, we’ve compiled a detailed breakdown of each round in the tournament below. Continue reading to discover which other rockstars participated and how the fans made their choices.

Exciting Matchups in Round One of Pubity’s Rockstar Tournament

The first round of the tournament featured an impressive lineup of 32 rockstars, each vying for the title of the greatest. Below, we detail the artists in the order they were introduced on the Pubity account, showcasing the intense competition. The names of the artists who advanced to the next round are highlighted in bold, reflecting their popularity and fan support.

Jimi Hendrix
Don Henley
Steven Tyler
Gerard Way
Brandon Flowers
Prince
Liam Gallagher
Bruce Dickinson
Axl Rose
Keith Richards
Paul Stanley
Paul McCartney
James Hetfield
Elvis Presley
Mick Jagger
Bruce Springsteen
Robert Plant
Hayley Williams
Eddie Vedder
Alex Turner
Dave Grohl
Thom Yorke
Eddie Van Halen
Stevie Nicks
Lemmy Kilmister
David Bowie
Chester Bennington
Kurt Cobain
Alice Cooper
Corey Taylor
Josh Homme
Ozzy Osbourne

Thrilling Outcomes in Round Two of the Rockstar Tournament

As the tournament progressed into the second round, only eight rockstars remained, each with a fierce fanbase. The results were intense: Steven Tyler was eliminated by Jimi Hendrix, while Bruce Dickinson faced defeat at the hands of Prince. Other notable matchups included Axl Rose against Paul McCartney, and Mick Jagger going head-to-head with Elvis Presley. In a series of nail-biting contests, Eddie Vedder was ousted by Robert Plant, Eddie Van Halen fell to Dave Grohl, Bowie was bested by Cobain, and Alice Cooper lost to Ozzy Osbourne.

High Stakes in the Semi-Finals of the Rockstar Showdown

The semi-finals featured a powerhouse lineup of rock legends: Hendrix, Presley, Plant, and Cobain. As anticipated, the reactions from fans were diverse and passionate, reflecting the strong opinions within the rock community. Below, we have highlighted some intriguing comments from fans discussing their views on the semi-finals and the voting dynamics.

READ MORE: Why Is Rock Music Called ‘Rock’?

“Kurt Cobain beating Bowie and Ozzy really highlights what age group is doing the voting,” one commenter pointed out, suggesting a generational divide in musical preferences.

“Clearly, this was a popularity contest, not a skill contest,” remarked another follower, indicating a belief that fan engagement overshadowed musical talent in the decision-making process.

Final Matchup: The Battle for Rockstar Supremacy

The final face-off saw Presley and Cobain battling it out for the title of Greatest Rockstar of All Time. Ultimately, Presley was declared the champion, a decision that sparked a mix of agreement and dissent among fans. Many felt his victory was well-deserved, while others lamented the exclusion of legendary musicians like Freddie Mercury from Queen, who many believe should have been part of the tournament.

Some fan reactions on the final post included, “This is categorically wrong. The people have blown it once again,” expressing frustration with the outcome.

Another fan passionately stated, “I mean, he is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. No way it should’ve gone to anyone else. Long live the king,” underscoring Presley’s legendary status.

“I can’t believe Kurt beat Robert Plant AND Bowie,” added another comment, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.