Even if Gideon loses, I think it could serve much of the same purpose, should he hang on for so long that people become impressed. Maybe they, or Nero, come to admire Israel's resolve. Trying to use a tournament wish to influence politics is a silly notion.
@varler - sure, there are weight classes today, but they stop at 200 pounds. So there can still be massive size mismatches not too much smaller than the one in this issue.
@boldmonkey I don't think that it is a silly notion at all. Say Gideon won the tournament, he would have such great popular appeal and support that Nero would be forced to at least listen to what he has to say. Never mind the fact that the Romans clearly respect honour and trust. A winner of such a competition will have great honour and if they were promised a request granted by the Emperor, it would be hard for Nero to completely refuse at least.