At the SBC Summit Americas 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, key figures from the global gaming industry gathered to engage in discussions about the future of online gaming. Among them was Jonathan Gruber, CEO of Loserball, who shared insights about his innovative fantasy sports platform that aims to disrupt the traditional market by rewarding players for predicting losing outcomes in sports.
In a conversation with SBC Americas, Gruber addressed five key questions regarding the gaming industry and the unique position of Loserball.
When asked how his background in film and video content has contributed to his role in the competitive online gaming sector, Gruber highlighted over thirty years of experience in storytelling. "I’ve spent more than three decades telling stories that connect with audiences emotionally, and that’s been surprisingly relevant to building Loserball," he stated. Gruber emphasized the emotional aspects of sports—hope, heartbreak, rivalry—and how traditional fantasy sports focus on success. He affirmed that every sports fan shares the highs and lows of backing a team that often faces hardships.
Loserball was conceived out of the idea that moments of failure can be just as entertaining as victories. Gruber's filmmaking experience enabled him to uncover compelling narratives in expected places, transforming the notion of losing into a unique entertainment concept.
Addressing how Loserball distinguishes itself from competitors, Gruber explained, "We didn’t set out to build a better version of existing fantasy sports—we set out to build something fundamentally different." He pointed out that while traditional platforms reward exceptional performances, Loserball celebrates the unpredictability in sports: penalties, interceptions, and missed opportunities, ultimately leading to a richer emotional experience. "We believe we’ve created an entirely new category within fantasy sports rather than simply another product competing for the same users," he noted.
Throughout the development of Loserball, Gruber admitted that education has been a major challenge. He remarked, "When people first hear ‘fantasy sports where you pick the worst players,’ they usually smile—but then they immediately ask, ‘How does that work?’" He highlighted that once individuals try the platform, they quickly understand its appeal. The company has concentrated on simplifying the user experience while addressing technological needs and regulatory challenges, balancing various aspects of startup life such as product development and marketing.
Regarding the rise of new gaming formats, Gruber expressed confidence: "Players today are more willing than ever to try new formats, whether that’s prediction markets, pick’em games, social gaming, or alternative fantasy contests. That willingness creates opportunities for innovation." He views Loserball as part of this industry evolution, aiming not to replace traditional fantasy or sports betting but to offer a fresh, social, and accessible alternative that meets the market’s appetite for experimentation.
Looking forward, Gruber outlined Loserball’s plans for growth, emphasizing the importance of expanding their free-to-play platform for NFL fans. "We believe the best way to build a lasting gaming brand is to earn passionate players first and monetize second," he said. As they continue to refine their offering based on user feedback, Gruber discussed the commitment to investing in original content, strategic partnerships, and community features that foster fan engagement throughout the sports season. As Loserball grows and the regulatory environment shifts, the company may consider introducing real-money gaming when the time is right. Gruber’s long-term vision is to establish Loserball as a defining sports-entertainment brand, providing fans with a novel way to enjoy the games they cherish.
