French app dominates world cup buzz with over 3 million users

French fantasy football app takes the world cup by storm

More than three million users have embraced Mon Petit Prono, transforming it into an unexpected sensation during this year’s World Cup.

The current leader of Mon Petit Prono shares insights into the app's success

How Mon Petit Prono works

Mon Petit Prono operates through leagues created by users. A league can be set up for friends, family, or colleagues, who then receive an invitation link. Participants predict match outcomes before they begin and also forecast the tournament winner and top scorer. Real-time rankings keep everyone engaged and competitive.

Who’s using the app?

The app’s primary users in 2026 include business school students, corporate employees, families, and friend groups, according to industry insights.

Why is it so popular?

To uncover the reasons behind this success, we spoke with several users who shared their experiences.

Marie, who participates in three leagues—with her family, friends, and colleagues—views it as a tradition: “I’ve done it every time since I was old enough to play. Before, we used a different app that no longer exists.” She highlights the workplace league as particularly special: “It creates a fun atmosphere and gives us something to talk about outside of work. Sometimes I feel bad for those who aren’t involved—we discuss it at least once or twice a day.”

Matia, currently leading his league, believes the app’s appeal lies in its accessibility: “You don’t need to know anything about football to win. Obviously, the more you watch, the better your predictions can be.” Camille praises its intuitive design, saying, “Even those who don’t bet regularly find it easy to use. The interface is straightforward, and you don’t need expertise to participate.”

Users like Marie check the app multiple times a day, often waking up in the middle of the night to check results: “At the start of the World Cup, when there was a match late at night, I’d get knots in my stomach before bed. During the heatwave, I’d wake up at 4 AM because it was too hot and think, ‘I can’t fall back asleep—I have to check Mon Petit Prono.’ If my score was wrong, it would keep me awake.”

Potential pitfalls

While the app fosters camaraderie, it can also cause stress. Marie admits, “I’m a sore loser, so it stresses me out.” She avoids monetary stakes, opting instead for non-monetary prizes like barbecues or beer packs. Conflicts can arise, especially in work settings, where those unfamiliar with football may feel left out or targeted.

The story behind Mon Petit Prono

The app’s journey began in 2011 under the name Mon Petit Gazon. Three colleagues—Martin Jaglin, Benjamin Fouquet, and Grégory Rota—shared a passion for football but found their usual prediction site shutting down. With no funding or marketing plan, they took a bold leap of faith by acquiring the site. Initially, they relied on scores from a sports media outlet, but legal issues forced them to pivot in 2013. Undeterred, they expanded internationally in 2016 under different names for the UK and Spain before securing a €1 million investment in 2018. Investors included industry figures like Sébastien Bazin, Martin Solveig, and Jean-Étienne Amaury. By 2022, the app was acquired by LFP MEDIA for an estimated €20-30 million. This year, Mon Petit Prono has seen a surge in downloads, rocketing to the top of app store charts with a 340% increase in just eight days.