Premium articleA french prediction app dominates the world cup: “i woke up at night to check my score”
Over three million users joined the Mon Petit Prono experience during this year’s World Cup, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
- Updated recently
France, Spain, England, or Argentina—one of these four nations will lift the World Cup trophy come Sunday. Yet amid the spotlight on the pitch, an unexpected victor has emerged: a French prediction app. Since the tournament’s kickoff, whispers of “MPP” (Mon Petit Prono) have echoed through stadiums, bars, and coworking spaces alike. Behind this phenomenon lies a grassroots entrepreneurial journey, born from the passion of three colleagues.
How does Mon Petit Prono work?
Mon Petit Prono operates through private leagues. Users create custom leagues for friends, family, or colleagues, sharing a unique link to invite participants. Before each match, players submit their predictions—not just the winners but also the top scorer. Real-time leaderboards keep everyone engaged as scores roll in.
Who’s using it?
Industry data suggests Mon Petit Prono’s user base skews toward business school students, corporate teams, families, and friend groups. The app’s appeal spans demographics, uniting football novices and seasoned fans alike.
Why the craze?
To uncover the secret behind its viral success, we spoke to avid users. Marie, a league member in three different groups—family, friends, and coworkers—calls it a tradition: “I’ve used prediction apps for every World Cup since I was old enough to play football. Back then, it was on another platform, but the concept never faded.”
She highlights the app’s role in breaking workplace monotony: “It’s not just about the game—it’s a conversation starter. Even those who aren’t into football join in. We check scores at least twice a day.”
Matia, topping his league’s leaderboard, credits luck as a key factor: “You don’t need deep football knowledge to win. Sure, following matches helps, but even total outsiders can score big.” Camille praises the app’s intuitive design: “It’s incredibly user-friendly. You don’t have to be a betting pro to navigate it—everything is straightforward.”
Daily habits
All three users admit to obsessive app-checking, especially during night matches. Marie recalls waking up at 4 a.m. during the heatwave to check scores: “I’d get knots in my stomach before bed. If my predictions were off, I couldn’t fall back asleep.”
Potential downsides
While fun, the app can fuel stress. Marie notes workplace tensions: “People who aren’t into football get teased, and I’m a sore loser—it adds pressure.” She avoids wagering money but organizes alternative prizes, like barbecues or beer packs, to keep it lighthearted.
The origin story
Mon Petit Prono’s roots trace back to 2011 under the name Mon Petit Gazon. Three colleagues—Martin Jaglin, Benjamin Fouquet, and Grégory Rota—shared a love for football but grew frustrated with their go-to prediction site’s decline. With no funds or marketing plan, they took a gamble: purchasing the failing platform outright. Their early model relied on L’Équipe’s match notes, but the media outlet forced them to halt this practice in 2013. Undeterred, they expanded internationally in 2016 with localized versions in the UK (My Little Nuts) and Spain (Mi Gran Delantera).
A 2018 funding round, backed by investors like Sébastien Bazin and Martin Solveig, allowed them to quit their day jobs. By 2022, Mon Petit Gazon was acquired by LFP MEDIA for an estimated €20–30 million. This year’s World Cup surge shattered records, with downloads skyrocketing 340% in eight days, catapulting MPP to the top of app store charts.