How a guess the result campaign works
Guess the result lets people predict an outcome before it happens. You add the matches and the two sides of each — two football teams, two handball teams — and players enter what they think the result will be. Often that is the final score of a match.
Most campaigns start with a short sign-up form, where people give their name, email and perhaps a newsletter permission. Then they make their guess. You set a deadline, so nobody can guess after kick-off. After the deadline, people see a page you choose. When the event is over, you reward the people who guessed right. With the optional leaderboard, players get points for the right result (3 by default) and for the right winner or a tie (1), and you reward the top players yourself.
The design is up to you. Use your club colours, photos of the players, your sponsor's logo and your own texts.
What makes this format special is the waiting. A scratch card is over in seconds, but a prediction lives on until the final whistle. Fans think about their guess during the match, talk about it with friends and check back afterwards. That gives your brand a place in the whole experience, not just in one click.
When to use a guess the result game
The prediction game is at its best around moments people already care about. Use it for:
- Sports matches: league games, derbies, cup finals and big tournaments.
- Sponsor activations: give partners a fun way to meet fans before and during the match.
- Tournaments: a prediction for every match in a group stage or a cup.
- A whole season: a new round of matches every week, with points on a leaderboard.
Sports clubs, sports brands, sponsors, media, sports bars and retailers can all use it. A sports brand can tie the game to a new shirt. A bar can give a free round to the fans who guessed right. Our guide to key moments to launch campaigns in sports has many more ideas.
5 ideas for your guess the result game
- Predict the score: fans guess the final score before kick-off. The right answers enter a draw for signed shirts.
- Derby day: run a prediction game for the biggest match of the season, with a sponsor's prize.
- Tournament challenge: a new prediction for every match day, so fans come back again and again.
- Group stage challenge: predict every match in a group, and give prizes to the fans with the most points.
- Final four: let fans predict the semi-finals and the final, and give tickets to the best guessers.
Tips for a guess the result game that converts
Tip #1: Launch it at the right time
Excitement grows as the event gets closer. Share the game a few days before, and remind people on the day. Close it at kick-off.
Tip #2: Make it easy to play during the event
Many fans will be in the stadium, in a bar or on the sofa.
- Put a QR code on the big screen or on posters.
- Share the game in your newsletter and on social media.
- Show it as a pop-up on your website in the days before.
Tip #3: Use prizes that fans love
Signed shirts, match tickets, meet-and-greets and merch are worth more to fans than money. A sponsor can also give the prize. See how Scratcher handles prizes and draws.
Tip #4: Collect sign-ups with care
Ask for an email and a newsletter permission before the guess. If a sponsor is involved, be clear about who will contact the fans and why.
Tip #5: Bring people back for the result
Send everyone a short email or SMS after the match with the right answer and the winners. It gives you a natural reason to contact your new subscribers — and to invite them to the next game.
Tip #6: Turn one game into a season
Run a new prediction for every match day, so fans have a reason to come back all season. A leaderboard can add some friendly competition between the most loyal fans.
Want more ideas for fans and followers? Try the lucky number game or a quiz about the club's history.
