Avid means having a strong or intense interest or enthusiasm for something. In the context of the clue "Like devoted fans," it means that someone who is avid has a marked eagerness or passion for a particular activity or interest, similar to how devoted fans enthusiastically support and follow their favorite teams or artists.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Hard-core. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.