Against The Odds
The season-long football prediction game where knowledge, nerve and consistency beat the odds.
Overview
Called It is a mobile-first Premier League prediction game built for private groups. Players call every result before the deadline, watch the table shift as matches unfold and compete across the season for the group prize pool, with an AI challenger providing another benchmark. It delivers the weekly tension of a predictor and the rivalry of fantasy football without the transfers, spreadsheets or constant administration.
The problem
Football fans love testing their judgement against friends, but the existing options create friction. Fantasy games demand constant team management. Betting products are transactional and built around the bookmaker. Home-grown predictors rely on group chats, spreadsheets and one person doing all the chasing, checking and scoring. Interest quickly fades when predictions are missed, tables are late or the rules become unclear.
Our approach
We designed the simplest possible competitive loop: predict, lock, score, climb. Every Premier League fixture matters, predictions close shortly before kick-off and the standings develop across the entire season. Private groups preserve the rivalry and social pressure that make prediction games enjoyable, while automated scoring, clear rules, timely reminders and an AI opponent keep the competition moving.
The product
Called It is a responsive web app where invited players join a private competition, enter their score predictions until ten minutes before kick-off, review completed fixtures and follow the live leaderboard. A season-long entry pot rewards the top three finishers, while reminders and an AI challenger help sustain engagement from the opening weekend to the final day.
Current stage
Being used by family, friends and colleagues. We are exploring options to roll this out to the public.
Outcomes
Called It turns passive match-watching into an active, shared ritual. It keeps friendship groups connected throughout the season, gives every fixture added meaning and creates a transparent competition that runs without manual administration. For players, that means more conversation, more rivalry and more reasons to stay engaged. For the venture, it creates a repeatable format that can grow across new competitions, seasons and sports.