A French Prediction App Steals the Show During the World Cup: “I Would Wake Up at Night to Check My Score”
More than three million users joined the Mon Petit Prono adventure, transforming the app into a viral sensation during this year’s World Cup.
How Mon Petit Prono Works
Mon Petit Prono operates through leagues created by users—whether friends, colleagues, or family—who invite others via a shareable link. Participants predict match outcomes before games begin, with real-time leaderboards tracking their performance. The app also lets users forecast the tournament winner and top scorer.
Who’s Using It?
According to industry insights, Mon Petit Prono’s primary user base includes business school students, corporate professionals, families, and friend groups. The app’s appeal lies in its accessibility, attracting both football enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
Why Is It So Popular?
To uncover the app’s success, we spoke with several users. Marie, who participates in three leagues—one with family, one with friends, and one with colleagues—describes it as a cherished tradition: “I’ve done this every World Cup since I was old enough to play. Before, we used a different app that no longer exists.”
She highlights the social aspect, especially in work leagues: “It sparks conversations beyond work. Sometimes, I feel bad for those who aren’t playing—we discuss it at least once or twice a day.”
Matia, the top-ranked player in his league, attributes his success to the app’s simplicity: “You don’t need to know football inside out to win. Obviously, the more you watch, the better your predictions become.”
Camille praises the app’s intuitive design, noting: “Even non-football fans can easily understand it. The interface is straightforward, and you don’t need prior betting experience.”
Daily Engagement and Obsession
The three interviewees check the app multiple times a day, often before and after matches. Marie admits she would wake up in the middle of the night during the tournament’s early stages: “When there was a late-night match during the heatwave, I’d have butterflies in my stomach before bed. I’d wake up at 4 AM, too hot to sleep, and think, ‘I can’t fall back asleep without checking Mon Petit Prono.’ If my score was wrong, it could ruin my sleep.”
Potential Downsides
While the app fosters camaraderie, it can also create stress. Marie warns of potential conflicts: “Those who don’t follow football closely might feel left out. I’m a sore loser, so it stresses me out if I’m performing poorly.”
She adds that some leagues introduce lighthearted stakes—like a barbecue or beer pack for the winner—to avoid the pitfalls of money-based betting: “I think once money’s involved, it loses some of its charm.”
The App’s Journey to Success
Mon Petit Prono, originally launched in 2011 as Mon Petit Gazon, was born from a shared passion for football among three colleagues—Martin Jaglin, Benjamin Fouquet, and Grégory Rota. Frustrated by the lack of reliable prediction tools, they repurposed an existing platform after a daring (and budgetless) acquisition. Their initial challenge? Reliance on L’Équipe’s match data forced them to pivot in 2013.
Undeterred, they expanded internationally in 2016, rebranding as My Little Nuts in the UK and Mi Gran Delantera in Spain. In 2018, a €1 million fundraising round secured backing from investors like Sébastien Bazin, Martin Solveig, and Jean-Étienne Amaury, allowing the team to quit their jobs and rebrand fully. By 2022, LFP MEDIA acquired Mon Petit Gazon for an estimated €20-30 million. This year, Mon Petit Prono’s downloads surged by 340% in eight days, dominating app store charts since the tournament’s opening match.
