Champions Round

High-Level Overview

Champions Round was a Los Angeles-based technology company that developed a mobile app for fan engagement through round-based fantasy sports games targeted at Gen Z users. It offered free-to-play, skill-based fantasy leagues for traditional sports like NFL and NBA, as well as esports, with short-duration contests (e.g., 3-4 weeks or single events) rather than full-season formats, solving the problem of lengthy commitments that deter younger fans.[1][2][3][6] The platform served sports enthusiasts worldwide via iOS and Android apps, featuring gamification like avatar swag, exclusive prize leagues, and in-app purchases, while planning expansions into soccer leagues, Formula 1, and more esports titles by 2024; it achieved early traction with 6,000 registered users and profitability before winding down.[2][3] The company raised $10M total funding, including a $1M seed and $7M Series A, but ceased operations in mid-2023 amid founder-investor issues, laying off staff and selling assets.[1][5]

Origin Story

Champions Round was founded in 2018 (or around 2021 per some reports) by CEO Carter Russ, a serial entrepreneur and longtime fantasy basketball commissioner, and co-founder Chase Payne, a gaming veteran with 15+ years at Electronic Arts, Zynga, and as a founding member of Major League Fantasy (acquired in 2015).[2][3] The idea emerged from Russ's frustration with traditional fantasy sports' long seasons, aiming to create bite-sized, engaging leagues for Gen Z, with an esports module to educate newcomers on gameplay via predictions like "next kill."[2] Early traction included a beta launch in April (year unspecified), 8,000 installs, top-6 iOS sports app ranking with minimal marketing, and 80% user growth via friend referrals; the full app debuted shortly before its $1M seed round.[2]

Core Differentiators

• Round-Based Format: Broke seasons into short 3-4 week or event-specific leagues (e.g., NFL draft), making it accessible for casual Gen Z players unlike full-season rivals.[1][2][6]
• Gamification and Monetization: Users earned points for exclusive cash-prize leagues via play, swag purchases, or in-app boosts; low customer acquisition costs through viral friend invites (80% of users).[2][3]
• Game Modes: Six modes like "Daily Dozen" (12 daily props), "Boost Ball" (snake draft), "Spicy Slips" (predictions), and esports integration for education.[3]
• Creator Tools: Planned "Creator Rooms" (launch July 2023) for influencers to host games, monetize via engagement/sign-ups, and play with followers.[1][3][5]
• Cross-Sport Appeal: NFL/NBA focus with esports (League of Legends, etc.) and global expansion plans; free-to-play with profitability achieved early.[3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Champions Round rode the Gen Z sports engagement wave, capitalizing on shortening attention spans and esports growth by blending fantasy sports with social, creator-driven features in a market dominated by DraftKings and FanDuel.[3][5] Timing aligned with post-2021 fantasy sports boom and investor interest in youth-focused disruptors like PrizePicks, but a competitive funding winter and user acquisition challenges hit startups hard—evident in peers like No House Advantage also shutting down.[5] It influenced the ecosystem by pioneering round-based play and creator monetization, pressuring incumbents to innovate for younger demographics while highlighting risks in sports tech amid economic pressures.[2][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Champions Round's shutdown in 2023 after $10M raised underscores fantasy sports' high barriers, but its assets sale could revive round-based Gen Z innovations under new ownership. Trends like integrated sports betting (a planned feature), AI-driven personalization, and creator economies will shape successors, potentially evolving its model into broader social sports platforms amid growing global esports and mobile gaming. This Gen Z pivot, once a hook for disruption, now serves as a cautionary tale tying back to its core promise of accessible fantasy.