What's up, team?

Today's edition is all about sports and how they team up with Web3.


But first, let's set the stage.

I truly hope you are enjoying The Wild West of Web3. This content is actually a part of BorgoAcademy, my educational initiative aimed at breaking down the complexities of Web3 and training and inspiring the next gen of leaders, builders and entrepreneurs to thrive in the evolving internet. 

It's all about sharing insights, demystifying the tech, and making this space accessible for everyone. Since this is Web3, I want to hear from y’all, be honest:

While BorgoAcademy focuses on education and community, I've been working really hard on another venture that's all about hands-on action. If you are interested in learning more, stick around until the end, because this announcement is YUGE!

Life Lessons from the board, the mat, and the waves.

Before we dive deep into the intersection of Sports and Web3, I want to share a personal story with you. As most of you probably know, I'm from Brazil, the land of football (not "soccer" 😅).

But guess what?

Football has never been my vibe.

Since my younger days, I really loved Skateboarding, Martial arts, and Surfing. They're my life coaches, they've shaped my worldview and even played a role in my recent move from Germany to Portugal.

Why?

One word: Waves 🌊🌊.

These sports have also given me a toolkit of skills that are invaluable in the Web3 universe. We're talking balance, discipline, and adaptability. And most importantly, the sense of belonging.

So, what's the game plan for today's edition?

We're going to explore the exciting intersections between sports and Web3, diving into opportunities that are as thrilling as a last-minute goal. But before we get into that, I want to share some core lessons I've picked up from the board, the mat, and the waves - lessons that have been game-changers in my Web3 journey:

• Balance: Just like landing a skate trick, balancing risk and reward is crucial in Web3. This is especially true when working with Web3 native companies that are solely interested in paying for my services with tokens. As a general rule of thumb, I never accept more than 40% in tokens, with FIAT making up the larger portion.
  

• Discipline: Martial arts have taught me the importance of discipline, whether it's during training and executing the same kick 1,000 times until I get it right, or while competing and keeping my guard up to avoid getting knocked out. This has been a fundamental skill for survival during my Web3 journey, especially in a space full with distractions, Ponzi schemes, and opportunists.
  

• Adaptability: Just like reading a wave in surfing before committing to go all in, understanding market trends and discerning which technologies are "ready" and which ones will still take time for adoption in Web3 is crucial. This insight helps me to stand out from the crowd and craft successful strategies that drive growth.
  

• Community: In sports, even the "individual" ones, you're part of a team. In Web3, you're part of a community — a group of passionate individuals who deeply believe they can shape the future of the Web. You can't navigate this industry alone; it's essential to embrace collaboration and adopt a "we grow together" mentality.
  

• Bonding: Sports are a great way to connect and make friends, just as Web3 has powerfully brought people together around shared passions.

The evolution of the game: From grassroots to global brands.

Look, sports have come a long way. What started as local pastimes have evolved into a gigantic global industry. We're talking about a transformation that's not just about the game, culture, and athletes; today, sports represent a multi-billion industry.

Think football clubs and American sports franchises - these aren't just teams; they're companies with revenue streams and partnerships that could give any big brand a run for its money (in fact, many teams ARE huge brands).

From the Super Bowl to the FIFA World Cup, some sports events are much more than regular matches; they're moments that define cultures. And the opportunities? Endless.

Whether it's cricket in India, basketball in Lithuania, or hockey in Canada, there's a slice of the pie for everyone. And hey, let's give a nod to e-sports; they have been carving out their own space and doing it fast.

But what does that have to do with Web3? – Hold tight, we will get there.

Insightful analysis: Leveraging Web3 for sports fan engagement

First off, remember when we talked about Web3 careers not just being for techies in the previous edition? Well, the sports industry is catching that wave too. You don't need to be a blockchain wizard to get in the game. There are plenty of roles where your sports expertise will shine.

Now, let's get into it. The sports industry has always been about more than just the game; it's about the fans, the community, and the shared highs and lows. And fans in sports are a unique breed. Their loyalty goes beyond just buying merch; it's about emotional investment, a lifetime of support, and often embracing the brands their sports heroes endorse.

Enter Web3. This isn't just a trend that popped up overnight; it's been gaining momentum for years. Big names like MLB, NBA, and FIFA are already in the mix. Even fashion brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma have stepped onto the Web3 field.

So, what's the playbook here? It's not just about digitizing sports; it's about creating a whole new level of engagement. Imagine NFTs that evolve based on player performance, DAOs that let fans have a say in club decisions, and Metaverse experiences that bring the stadium vibes right to your living room. The possibilities are limitless.

Here are some interesting examples worth exploring and learning from:

• NFL Rivals: This isn't just another mobile game; it's a Web3 sensation. With over 2 million players, it recently hit a daily active user record and even got featured as Game of the Day on Apple's App Store. It's the first mobile NFT game with official NFL licensing and has even migrated to Polkadot for scalability. Talk about a touchdown!
  

• MLB and Candy Digital: Their NFT collection featuring 720 players is a game-changer, turning fans into true stakeholders.
  

• The Association NFT by NBA and NBPA: A collection of dynamic NFTs that evolve based on team and player performance, taking fan engagement to a new level.
  

• DraftKings and Zero Hash: This partnership has led to the 2022 College Hoops Collection, part of their Primetime NFT series, signaling a deep dive into the Web3 space.
  

• Fan Tokens by Socios.com: A rising trend especially among younger fans, these tokens offer a unique way to engage with sports teams, from voting on club decisions to exclusive experiences.

And last but not least, my favorite. As you know, I'm all about "Walk the Talk" and "Speak from Experience." So, when I talk about the intersection of Sports and Web3, I speak from experience. The following is a project I'm truly proud to be an advisor:

Rough Diamonds is where potential turns into legacy. Straight out of Brazil, where football isn't just a game but a way of life, this project is scouting the next-gen football stars and tokenizing their talent. Imagine owning a piece of the future Ronaldo, Marcelo, or Neymar before they hit the big leagues. It's not just about collecting, it's about being part of their journey from the get-go. Here's how it works:

Community governance: As a token holder, you're in the driver's seat. You get to vote on the next players to join the talent roster.

Exclusive perks: We're talking unique memorabilia and real-world hangouts with the players. This is fan engagement like you've never seen.

Utility tokens: Hold onto an athlete's NFT and rack up tokens you can swap for exclusive experiences and merch. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

So, you're getting the vibe, right? The connection between Web3 and sports offers A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES. But hold on, we're not done.

Next, I'll spotlight a project that's a great example of this synergy in action.

Spotlight: Sorare

Quick heads-up: I've got no ties to Sorare. I’m just a guy wearing a pink beanie who has been diving into sports-related Web3 projects lately, and this one caught my eye.

Sorare is a fascinating blend of fantasy sports and NFTs. It does not seem to be just another fantasy league; it's more like an interactive playground for sports fans. You manage a virtual team, but here's the twist: your roster is made up of NFT cards representing real athletes. It's a fresh take on the fantasy sports model, adding a layer of engagement that's pretty compelling.

Sorare has partnerships with some big names in European football. But they're not just playing in one league; they've also inked deals with NBA and MLB franchises. So, whether you're into stats or just a fan of the game, Sorare offers a new way to connect with the sports you love.

What has got me intrigued:

• Fan engagement: Sorare takes the passion of traditional fantasy leagues and elevates it with the power of NFTs.
  

• Web3 meets mainstream sports: This isn't a niche project; it's a bridge between the Web3 world and mainstream sports fandom.
  

• Interactive season: Forget passive watching; Sorare lets you actively participate in the sports season, making every game a personal stake.
  

• All-Star partnerships: With backing from sports legends and partnerships with major leagues, Sorare has put together a solid line-up

Sorare's doing something interesting in blending fantasy sports with NFTs. They've added fiat payments recently, which could be a move to make the platform more approachable. With 5 million users, they're not exactly a small fry, but let's be real - numbers aren't everything. Even big names like Messi and Serena Williams are backing it, which is intriguing but not an automatic stamp of approval.

So, my two cents?

Sorare's worth watching. It's adding a new layer to how we engage with sports, but like anything in the Web3 space, it's still evolving. Keep an eye on it, but as always, do your own research.

YUGE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The 14th Round 🥊: When others are doubtful, I double down.

You remember that scene in Rocky 1, right?

The 14th round against Apollo Creed. Rocky's been knocked down, he's bruised, but he's not out. He pulls himself up, and the crowd goes wild.

That moment? That's where a lot of people say we are in the Web3 space right now.

Markets are down, critics are shouting from the rooftops, and the naysayers are having a field day saying Web3 is dead.

But here's the thing: Apollo represents the hard struggles in life, Rocky represents overcoming them no matter how tired you are, or how hard it is.

Over the past three years, I've dedicated myself to advising Fortune 500 companies on their Web3 strategies. When I say this, I truly mean it. Here are the brands I've had the privilege of working with:

• adidas

• Prada

• G-Star Raw

• Salesforce

• Unilever

• L'Oreal

• Mastercard

• Škoda

• Porsche

• Cupra

• Shell

In addition to these giants, I've also collaborated with the most innovative Web3 native tech companies in the world.

So, what are the 3 core things I have learned?

1) The Importance of Education – THE WHY:

Education is the cornerstone of a successful Web3 program. It's crucial for understanding the challenges, benchmarks, and opportunities. However, a significant knowledge gap exists in our industry, which is why I founded BorgoAcademy.

2) Navigating Technical Challenges – THE HOW:

Experience friction and tech barriers are what’s holding most brands back to getting serious about Web3. Every day, I engage with pioneering Web3 tech companies. While I don't consider myself a "tech guy," I've come to understand their language and products.

This knowledge equips me to guide brands on how they can thrive in this space. I’m grateful to be in the role as a bridge between major brands and top notch tech companies that together are building the next iteration of the Web.

My ultimate goal? To see users seamlessly interact with Web3, often without even realizing it.

3) Crafting Go-to-Market Strategies – THE WHAT:

A significant challenge is that many brands are unsure of their Web3 objectives, while tech companies aren't looking to be their strategic guide. Having been a marketer and strategist since the age of 16, I naturally gravitated towards the marketer and strategist role within my Web3 journey.

My unique position, fluctuating the worlds of major corporations and top-tier tech companies, has given me a distinct competitive edge. I've identified a gap in our industry, and I'm really stoked to double down on it.

Together with my co-founder, Jelle Plass, I'm thrilled to introduce BorgoLabs – your strategic go-to-market partner dedicated to helping global and mid-sized brands to harness the potential of the Web3 space.

Our mission is to make Web3 innovation faster, simpler, and more secure for your company. We achieve this through proprietary-based products designed to accelerate Web3 programs. Through digital workshops, we help brands cut through the noise and develop real-world solutions in a matter of days.

Curious to learn more? Check the video below:

And if you're interested in discussing business opportunities, reach out here.

What BorgoLabs offers:

• Expert-guided workshops: We're talking about a deep dive into discovery, ideation, prototyping, and execution. We're the brands’ co-pilots on this journey, making sure they’re not just following the trend but setting it.
  

• Tailored strategies: With our team’s hands-on experience, we're crafting Web3 strategies that actually work. No fluff, just actionable insights aimed at real business challenges.
  

• Collaborative innovation: Through comprehensive online workshops, we're sharing the knowledge and expertise brands need to truly adopt Web3.

So, if you're as excited about the Web3 space as I am, you're going to want to keep an eye on what we're cooking up 👨‍🍳 .

Hey, if you've made it this far…

1) THANK YOU! 

2) You're clearly as pumped about the Web3 universe as I am. We've covered a lot today - from the game-changing potential of Web3 in sports to the launch of BorgoLabs. But trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So, what's next? Well, I'm doubling down, and I hope you are too.

Let's not just be spectators; let's be the players, the game-changers, the “Rockys” of the Web3 world.

#LFGrow
Diego Borgo