I’m not sure why you (and several other posters) are referring to this as “gambling”. Gambling implies that there is a possibility of losing something of value. This contest was free to enter. It was a contest, but I don’t see how it was gambling. Now, if entrants had to pay to enter the contest, that’s a different story.
Remember this ended with a drawing. Some states, for purposes of minors gambling, consider even raffles gambling. Really with 20 grand on the line and ESPN on the hook most states will find a way to consider it gambling, just for the chance to confiscate the money and look tough.