A french prediction app dominates the world cup buzz

Over three million users joined the excitement of Mon Petit Prono, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon during this year’s World Cup.

How does Mon Petit Prono work?

Mon Petit Prono operates through custom leagues. Users create private leagues for friends, family, or colleagues, sharing a unique link. Participants predict match outcomes before games begin and forecast the tournament winner and top scorer. Real-time leaderboards keep everyone engaged.

Who’s using it?

According to industry data, Mon Petit Prono’s user base in 2026 spans business school students, corporate employees, families, and close-knit friend groups.

Why has it become so popular?

We spoke with several users to uncover the driving force behind its success.

Marie, who participates in three leagues—with her family, friends, and coworkers—views 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 how the workplace league fosters camaraderie: “It’s a great way to bond over something other than work. Sometimes, I feel bad for those who aren’t involved—we end up discussing the games 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, if you watch more matches, you can make smarter predictions about underdog teams.”

Camille praises the app’s intuitive design: “It’s incredibly user-friendly. Even casual fans can jump in without confusion. The interface is simple and practical.”

How often do users check the app?

All three interviewees admit to checking the app multiple times daily. Marie shares that she often wakes up at night during matches: “At the start of the World Cup, when games were played late at night, I’d feel anxious before bed. With the heatwave, I’d wake up at 4 a.m. drenched in sweat. I’d think, ‘I can’t go back to sleep without checking Mon Petit Prono.’ If I saw my predictions were wrong, it would keep me awake.”

Potential downsides

While the app sparks excitement, it can also introduce tension. Marie notes, “Once money gets involved, it changes the dynamic.” She prefers non-monetary stakes: “In my friends’ league, the winner gets a barbecue and a pack of beers.”

Workplace conflicts can arise too. Marie admits, “People who aren’t football fans can feel left out. I’m a sore loser, so it stresses me out.”

The story behind Mon Petit Prono

Mon Petit Prono began in 2011 as Mon Petit Gazon, founded by childhood football fans Martin Jaglin, Benjamin Fouquet, and Grégory Rota. Frustrated by the decline of their usual prediction platform, they took a bold step—buying it outright despite lacking funds or a marketing plan. Their original model relied on sports media scores, but L’Équipe demanded they stop using their data in 2013.

In 2016, they expanded internationally under different names—My Little Nuts in the UK and Mi Gran Delantera in Spain—but faced challenges. A 2018 fundraising round secured €1 million from investors like Sébastien Bazin, Martin Solveig, and Jean-Étienne Amaury. This allowed the founders to quit their jobs and rebrand their platform.

By 2022, Mon Petit Gazon was acquired by LFP MEDIA in a deal estimated between €20-30 million. Since the World Cup began, Mon Petit Prono has seen unprecedented growth, with downloads surging by 340% in just eight days and topping app store charts.