Ever since it landed on Subway® Canada's Instagram, this epic moment has been turning heads. So, on behalf of Toronto Raptors mega fans, Narcity found out more about what went down.
On February 1, Coach Scottie Barnes took superfans Devo and Ryan under his wing at the Subway® Training Camp — a special event teaching them the art of making the perfect sub. After all, this Toronto Raptor's skills aren't just for the court.
Narcity got the behind-the-scenes scoop from Devo and Ryan about the Subway Training Camp experience, where they competed head-to-head in multiple sandwich-building competitions — from toasting the perfect sub to laying down the sauce — with help from their coach, the Scottie Barnes.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
It was an exciting day from the beginning for the Subway Training Camp attendees, who were hyped to spend it learning techniques from Scottie Barnes.
Despite the early start (it was a "training camp," after all), they wasted no time, suiting up in their sandwich artist swag and hopping behind the counter. They were both pumped to show off their skills and for a little friendly competition.
"I’ve been a Toronto Raptors fan forever, and getting to team up with Scottie Barnes? That’s just next-level! I mean, who wouldn’t want to face off in a sandwich showdown with the chance to be coached by a Toronto Raptor?" Devo told Narcity.
Ryan, meanwhile, had his eye on the prize from the start: "I was more excited than anything to just get out there, show off my sandwich-making skills, hang out with Scottie and crush my competition."
Ryan Swaze and Scottie Barnes. Right: Scottie Barnes and Devo Burey.Courtesy of Subway Canada
You might think making a sandwich is as easy as 1-2-3, but if you want something that meets Subway's sky-high standards, there are techniques that separate the sandwich amateur from the Sandwich Artist® .
"I didn’t think I’d pick up as much sandwich-making knowledge as I did, but Scottie had some pro-level tips. Like how to layer flavours properly and even the art of toasting the bread just right," said Devo. "I feel like I could open my own Subway franchise now!"
"Being coached by Scottie was surreal. He’s not just a beast on the court, but he’s also got this natural leadership vibe that translates into everything he does. It was more than just sandwich-making; he really helped me think on my feet and step up my game in this competition."
Are you on the edge of your seat? You can check out the rest of this heated battle on Subway Canada's Instagram, and beware — spoilers ahead!
No stranger to a YouTube cook-off, Ryan was also surprised at what goes into making the perfect sandwich: "I never knew how hard putting sauce on a sub is! It’s really a skill, layering meat, placing toppings and veggies… everything has a particular process and art to it."
Before they knew it, it was time to test their new-found skills and prove to Scottie Barnes which contestant had the skills to take the win. It was a close competition, but ultimately, Ryan won the title.
"Devo and I had no idea who would come out on top so we were making jokes the whole day guessing who Scottie would pick," he said.
For Devo, the victory could just as easily have been his: "I’m not gonna lie, I think I came out on top with my creation. But, I’ll give props to my opponent, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about creativity and flavour, and I’m pretty confident my sub had that extra kick."
Scottie Barnes congratulates Devo Burey. Courtesy of Subway Canada
For both of them, seeing a new side of Scottie Barnes was a huge part of the experience.
"Fans might be surprised to know how chill Scottie is in the kitchen. Dude’s got patience, and he’s super detail-oriented — he’s got this quiet focus that helped guide me through the whole thing," said Devo.
Ryan agrees, adding that Subway's partnership with the Toronto Raptors plays a huge role in getting fans closer to their heroes.
"Subway creates these special connections with their fans. Everyone has their specific order and to see the players you watch on TV order similar subs or even have the same go-to… It brings the players down to a personal, relatable level vs. the 'superstar' you might see on the court."
Win or lose, Devo walked away happy: "Honestly, this whole experience was a vibe. Shoutout to Subway Canada for making it happen, and huge thanks to Scottie for being the perfect coach. It’s not every day you get to combine your love for basketball, sandwiches, and Toronto all in one — definitely a day I won’t forget."
To learn more about Subway Canada and their partnership with the Toronto Raptors, visit their website or follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Scottie Barnes. Right: Chris Boucher.
Subway Canada's Rice Bowls. 
Scottie Barnes. 