A Las Vegas Super Bowl was always likely to deliver, wasn’t it? The football was fierce, the entertainment was extravagant, and the ending was electrifying. Let’s break down some of the storylines from a sporting event so American it might as well be written into the constitution.

In the Nevada desert, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers faced off in the finale of the American football season in front of 61,629 and over 123 million viewers on TV. Each team was stacked with talent. The Niners were favourites, but the defending champions, the Chiefs, had some superstars too. The preamble concentrated on the MVP candidates Christian McCaffrey and Patrick Mahomes, the legendary coaches Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reid, and the popular players Brock “Mr. Irrelevant,” Purdy, and Travis “Taylor Swift’s boyfriend,” Kelce.

Focusing on the game, the Niners came out cooking. They looked to establish their relentless run game before star running back CMC fumbled the ball. Turnovers are crucial in American football, and this was an early blow. Both defences turned up to play, with each team struggling to make yards consistently throughout the first half. San Francisco’s elite rush attack didn’t allow Mahomes to get into the game, while the Chiefs’ corners and safeties made Purdy’s life very difficult.

The game came to life with some nice passing plays from Purdy, leading to the first field goal of the game. Mahomes answered with a 52-yard bomb to Mecole Hardman, but disaster struck when Pacheco fumbled on 1st and goal. The Niners were rocked when key linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles running onto the field. They rallied to march down the field, with some trickery bringing a stunning touchdown. Purdy gets the ball to wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who throws it back across the field for a 21-yard touchdown for Christian McCaffrey, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Mahomes was struggling to get going, with a field goal and an interception leaving the score at 10-3. They often say special teams make special plays. A high punt deflected off a Niner, rendering the ball live, and the Chiefs pounced on it. Two plays later, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was in the end zone for a touchdown and the first lead for Kansas.

The moment could have gotten the better of Purdy, but he was thriving on the big stage, once again inspiring his team to take the lead with a 75-yard touchdown drive. Crucially, the extra point was blocked, which would cost the Niners dearly. The Chiefs were still within a field goal. Another Harrison Butker field goal tied the game, and we were going to overtime.

Kyle Shanahan surprisingly opted to receive the ball first. The new overtime rules stated that both teams get the ball, even if a touchdown is scored. The defensive pressure was turned up to the max. Purdy was limited to just a field goal, meaning a touchdown would win it all for the Chiefs. And with Mahomes on your team, it felt inevitable. He used his legs to great effect, scampering for some first downs and finding Kelce for a nice gain to bring up 1st and goal. The “corndog” play was called to leave Mecole Hardman free in the endzone. It was too easy for Mahomes. Cue the fireworks and wild celebrations, apart from Hardman himself, who didn’t realise he caught the winning touchdown.

I must admit, along with a large proportion of Americans, I was supporting the Niners, hoping for a new winner. But you must appreciate greatness when it’s happening in front of you. Even if it is 4 a.m. Another Super Bowl MVP for Patrick Mahomes, he highlighted his desire for a three-peat. A scary thought, but hardly outside the realm of possibility. Mahomes is 28; his best players, Kelce and Chris Jones, echo his desire for more rings, and he delivers the goods every time. A dynasty may be forming. The Chiefs were plagued with a poor receiving core and defensive frailty, leading to an 11-6 record. And they still won. San Francisco dominated that game, and yet Mahomes was just biding his time.

The Niners will be kicking themselves. As the number one seed, they won’t get a much better chance to win a championship. Noises after the game suggest they beat themselves. Some players said they weren’t aware of the rules, hence why they took the statistically worse option of receiving first in overtime. I believe this might be a bit of deflection. Hindsight will always make you look silly. At the end of the day, the 49ers just couldn't get a key play or stop of defence. It does highlight the importance of having players who have been there and done it. Staying calm and composed can win you a game like that.

Saying that, tensions were high for Travis Kelce. Much was said about Kelce bumping into his coach after he was left on the sidelines during Pacheco’s crucial fumble. But I don’t really understand why. Kelce apologised for his actions on his podcast. Andy Reid downplayed the incident. So, if he didn’t care, why should we? American football is run on aggression and adrenaline; these things happen and are dealt with.

The Swift Super Bowl is an accurate description of the event, as much as it may annoy some people, as 20% of viewers claimed they were supporting the Chiefs because of Taylor. The Super Bowl is about celebrities as much as sports; camera cuts to the likes of her, Blake Lively, Ice Spice, Beyonce, and Leo DiCaprio, amongst others, are part of the deal. I always enjoy seeing who genuinely cares and who is pretending for the cameras.

I hope Usher being all over a married Alicia Keys, was also pretending for the cameras. He brought the vibes, R&B hits, and roller skates to a memorable half-time show. Overall, I still find the Super Bowl to be a unique event with guaranteed entertainment. And this year proved no different. I’m already looking forward to next year in New Orleans, with hopefully a new “World Champion.”