How fans predicting “who scores,” “what score,” or “what happens next” became one of the fastest-growing engagement behaviors across sports and esports? There’s something happening in fandom right now that brands can’t afford to ignore.
Across stadiums, streams, live broadcasts, team apps, and esports platforms, fans aren’t just reacting to moments, they’re predicting them. And not quietly. They’re recording themselves saying:
- “First scorer tonight will be ___.”
- “Final score? ___ to ___”
- “Next goal comes in the 23rd minute.”
- “This player carries the match.”
And they’re doing it before the moment happens.
Welcome to the Prediction Era: a new wave where score and scorer predictions and moment predictionsbecome a habit-forming video behavior that brands are finally starting to leverage.
This blog will break down why prediction challenges work, what formats are trending, how brands across sports and esports are using them, and how you can build a daily-engagement engine using nothing more than simple video prompts.
Why Score & Scorer Prediction Videos Work (The Psychology Behind the Trend)
Prediction videos outperform static posts for a simple reason: A prediction is a tiny emotional investment.
When a fan records a prediction, they’re signaling confidence, identity, and loyalty, all emotional triggers that drive engagement and sharing.
Here’s why they work so well:
- Anticipation: Fans love being “right before everyone else. This creates pre-match hype and post-match validation.
- Social Comparison Drives Sharing: Fans compete with friends, strangers, rivals, and entire communities.
- Works in Any Environement: Prediction videos work anywhere because fans naturally film them wherever they gather in stadium lines, crowded fan bars, backyard tailgates, living rooms, watch parties, etc.
The flow is always the same: predict, record, share, wait for the result, then come back to react. This repeatable cycle makes prediction challenges easy to join and even easier to turn into a daily fan habit.
Prediction → Outcome → Reaction = Full Content Cycle
One prompt generates three stages of engagement:
- Prediction video
- Live reaction
- Outcome recap (“I told you!”)
Real-World Proof: Fans Already Love Prediction Rituals (Across Sports & Esports)
The trend of prediction videos didn’t emerge from brands, but from fans themselves. Fans began creating and sharing prediction videos long before brands recognized their potential.
Eagles Fans Share Predictions Ahead of Eagles-Lions Matchup
Take the example of the Eagles fans before the Eagles-Lions matchup at Lincoln Financial Field. Hours before the game, passionate Birds supporters lined up outside the stadium, recording videos where they predicted scores, first touchdowns, and game outcomes. The local news even documented the ritual, highlighting how deeply it had rooted itself in the fan culture. The key takeaway? Fans were already broadcasting their predictions. Brands just need to catch up.
Montreal Fans Share Their Grey Cup Predictions
When fans share predictions, it’s about more than just the outcome of the game, it’s about belonging. In Montreal, ahead of the Grey Cup, fans like Eric Girotto proudly filmed and shared their predictions for the game between the Alouettes and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. These videos didn’t just showcase predictions; they were mini pep talks, rallying their peers. Fans felt part of the team and connected to a larger community. This sense of belonging amplifies the power of prediction videos, making them a natural fit for fan engagement campaigns. It’s not just about being right, it’s about sharing the experience and expressing loyalty.
Blue Jays Super Fan’s Postseason Predictions Go Viral
One of the most powerful examples of prediction content comes from the Blue Jays super fan in Windsor. Before the postseason began, this fan recorded and shared his predictions for the World Series. His confidence in his picks sparked debate and excitement among fellow fans, creating a viral conversation around whether he would “be right again.” The lesson here? Prediction content doesn’t need fancy editing or high production value, it’s the confidence of the fan that makes it entertaining. By sharing a simple prediction, fans can engage and spark discussion, turning even the most unpolished content into a compelling part of the fan experience.
Ultimate Score & Scorer Prediction Challenges
Check out some of the fan-driven video challenges for prediction campaign:
- “Final Score” Prediction Challenge
- Activation Idea: Create a video where viewers can predict the winner of an upcoming match, with a twist: only people who guess correctly will be eligible for a prize or shout-out in your next video.
- How to Activate:
- Announce the challenge and provide stats or key matchups for both teams or players.
- Encourage viewers to comment their predictions with a hashtag like #MatchWinnerChallenge.
- After the match, create a follow-up video showcasing the winners and offering a prize.
- Steal this video template to activate final score prediction.
Pro Tip: During major events like the FIFA World Cup or other tournaments, you can organize brand activations and user-generated content (UGC) challenges for FIFA to create an even more engaging experience, offering exclusive prizes or shout-outs to fans who get their predictions right.
- “Map-by-Map Pick” Live Prediction
- Activation Idea: For esports like Valorant or League of Legends, challenge your audience to predict the outcome of each map or round in the match.
- How to Activate:
- During a live stream or match, ask viewers to predict the outcome of each map.
- Use interactive platforms like TikTok or Instagram polls to gather real-time predictions.
- After each map ends, follow up with a video announcing how many got it right, and reward correct predictions with shoutouts or exclusive content.
3. “Scorer” Prediction Contest
- Activation Idea: Ask viewers to predict the most valuable player (MVP) of the match before it starts, showcasing their reasoning behind the pick.
- How to Activate:
- Encourage fans to predict and explain their choice of MVP in comments.
- Create a video afterward revealing the actual MVP and feature some of the best prediction comments.
- Reward the best explanation with an exclusive shoutout or a gift.
Pro Tip: One of the brand activations at FIFA 2026 can be offering exclusive rewards or branded experiences to fans who make the best MVP predictions.
4. “Prediction Reactions” with Live Scores
- Activation Idea: You can structure successful sponsor-ready video activations. Engage your community by having them record their reactions to the score predictions they made during live events.
- How to Activate:
- Before an event, ask viewers to record their predictions, whether for match winners, first scorers, or MVP.
- After the event, play the reaction clips alongside the actual match results.
- Feature the best reactions and give shout-outs or small prizes to those whose predictions came true.
5. “Challenge Friends: Prediction Duel”
- Activation Idea: Ask viewers to challenge their friends to a prediction duel. They will have to predict the scoreline, MVP, or other match elements in a friendly competition.
- How to Activate:
- Encourage viewers to challenge friends in the comments or via social media using hashtags like #PredictionDuel.
- Create a video showing some of the best duels and highlight the predictions from the most creative or passionate fans.
6. “Prediction vs Reality” Interactive Recap
- Activation Idea: After each match, create an interactive recap video where you compare the community’s predictions against the actual results.
- How to Activate:
- Collect all the predictions from your community before the match.
- After the match, create a side-by-side comparison of predictions and actual results.
- Engage with the community by reacting to the most accurate or humorous predictions.
These activation video ideas will not only boost community engagement but also create an interactive environment where viewers can have fun while showcasing their knowledge of esports and sports. Put fans into the spotlight with sports prediction video challenges.
Tech That Makes Prediction Challenges Even Stronger
Brands can enhance prediction videos with:
- AI Overlays: Enhance videos with dynamic, real-time information such as predicted scores, players, and event time.
- QR-Code Submissions: Fans scan the code, make their predictions, and appear on the leaderboard for a chance to win rewards.
- Real-Time Scoring: Automatically track correct predictions and display results instantly.
- AR Stickers: Use augmented reality to feature helmet stickers, player icons, matchup graphics, and countdown clocks for added excitement.
- Multi-Event Prediction Chains: Perfect for tournaments, playoffs, or esports multi-map matches, where fans can predict across multiple events.
An excellent example of technology enhancing fan engagement comes from the partnership between Verizon and the NHL. Verizon, as the Official 5G Network of the NHL, is transforming the fan experience by deploying private 5G networks in arenas, allowing for ultra-fast connectivity and interactive, tech-driven fan activations. Just as prediction videos have become a fan ritual, Verizon’s innovations are reshaping how fans engage with live sports. By leveraging real-time data and interactive experiences, brands can take a page from Verizon’s playbook, using video technology to create immersive prediction challenges and build deeper fan connections, both in the stadium and online.
How to Launch a Prediction Challenge (Step-by-Step)
1. Pick Your Predictions
The foundation of any prediction challenge is the type of predictions you want fans to make. Choose moments in the game that are exciting and impactful:
- Who scores first: Fans can predict which player or team will score the opening goal or point.
- Final score: Encourage viewers to guess the exact final score of the match or game.
- MVP of the match: Get fans to pick who they believe will be the Most Valuable Player based on performance.
These predictions give fans something to look forward to, and engaging in this challenge before the match builds anticipation.
2. Choose Your Video Prompt
The video submission process is key to participation. Keep the instructions simple to make it easy for fans to engage:
- “Record a 5-10 second prediction.” This keeps things quick and encourages more people to participate.
- “Say your pick out loud. No editing needed.” This ensures authenticity and makes it easier for fans to join in without worrying about perfect production quality.
3. Add a Mechanic
Incorporating a mechanic that keeps fans engaged over time will add a layer of excitement and competition:
- Leaderboard: Display top predictions throughout the campaign. This adds a competitive edge and motivates people to participate more frequently.
- Shoutouts: Acknowledge and feature fans who make accurate predictions, making them feel recognized and valued.
- Weekly Winners: Offer weekly prizes or shoutouts to fans with the highest correct prediction rates, keeping them coming back for more.
These mechanics not only create a sense of competition but also encourage fans to keep engaging regularly.
4. Collect Submissions
Make it easy for fans to submit their predictions by providing multiple ways to enter:
- QR codes: Simple and easy to implement. Fans scan the code during events or online to access the prediction platform directly from their phones. No need for apps or downloads and this is possible with a video technology like BrandLens. The platform also collects videos easily so you can use them then on your social media platforms.
- Social Responses: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to encourage fans to share their predictions with specific hashtags. This can amplify the campaign and make it more shareable.
- Fan Portals: For more robust interaction, create a dedicated space where users can track their predictions, see leaderboards, and interact with the community.
5. Feature the Best
Fans love recognition. Make them feel appreciated by featuring the best predictions, funniest responses, and the most creative entries.
Recognition, more than rewards, keeps fans coming back and deepens their connection to your brand. But, brands can also offer a variety of prizes and rewards to fans who participate in prediction challenges, including:
- Exclusive Merchandise (team jerseys, branded gear)
- VIP Event Access (tickets to games, behind-the-scenes tours)
- Special Discounts (on products or services)
- Cash Prizes or Gift Cards
- Meet-and-Greet Opportunities (with players, influencers, or brand ambassadors)
- Limited-Edition Collectibles (signed items, rare memorabilia)
The rise of prediction challenges has created a new, dynamic way for fans to engage with their favorite sports and esports events. Whether predicting the first scorer, the final score, or the MVP, fans are increasingly making these predictions a part of their game-day rituals. By incorporating interactive features, real-time updates, and personalized fan experiences, brands can build continuous fan engagement through prediction video challenges. Create real-time connections with fan prediction videos.
