Introduction

"TrippinB" is a nod to the 1990s classic "Tripping Billies," a song I used to groove to back in the day. You can call me Daniel, or if you prefer, Dan or Danny – my last name starts with a B.

My journey into Sorare stems from my fervor for fantasy sports. Soccer has always held a special place in my heart, and while I dabbled in NFL, NBA, and MLB fantasy leagues, I was on the lookout for a satisfying soccer game. In the past, it was all about goals and assists, and though I gave Fantasy Premier League (FPL) a shot for a few years, it didn't quite capture my excitement due to its focus on the basics. Seeking more intricate scoring dynamics, about eight years ago, I stumbled upon DraftKings Soccer. The allure of a comprehensive points system, encompassing crosses, shots, fouls, and interceptions, among other factors, had me hooked. DraftKings reinvigorated my fantasy sports passion, and I immersed myself in it for a good stretch. Yet, as time passed, my obsession with it led to diminishing returns – I wasn't exactly raking in big wins. By the end of 2020, feeling burnt out, I decided to step away from DraftKings.

Enter my friend Andrew Laird, a prominent figure at Rotowire, the go-to hub for DraftKings soccer enthusiasts. Andrew and I became buddies through our shared interest, and even collaborated on a DraftKings Soccer podcast alongside others. However, he too grew disenchanted with DraftKings and began exploring new avenues. That's when Sorare came into the picture. Andrew's pursuit of fantasy games led him to Sorare in November 2020, and he enthusiastically shared his discovery with me. My initial reaction was skeptical, as Sorare's concept bore some resemblance to other football fantasy platforms I had heard of, like Footstock, which left me unconvinced. Andrew persisted, and with more insights, he managed to pique my curiosity. It wasn't until March 2021, just before the explosive Gary V tweet that set the Sorare market ablaze, that I decided to take the plunge. My journey into Sorare was marked by a learning curve, with a fair share of blunders and experiments, before I eventually honed my approach to the game and card collection that resonated with me.

I'm truly enamored with Sorare – the thrill of scouting, the dynamic market element, and the potential for profit. While I've yet to withdraw any winnings from Sorare, I've consistently reinvested my gains into expanding my gallery. The value of my collection has seen fluctuations due to market cycles; it's not as stratospheric as before, but it still surpasses my initial investment. I've maintained a cautious approach, never putting in more funds than I can afford to lose entirely. My Sorare journey is one for the long haul, driven by a genuine passion for the game. The cards I've amassed hold immense appeal, and the divisions where I can deploy my collection add an extra layer of excitement. It has become my foremost hobby, an enthralling and enjoyable fantasy experience. I foresee several more years of enthusiastic engagement before any inkling of burnout sets in.

I still dabble in Draftkings, albeit at a significantly lower intensity – it's all about managing the stakes now. I usually toss in a $50 bet, focusing primarily on MLS matches, along with Premier League and Champions League contests. Occasionally, I'll dip into La Liga and Ligue 1 matches, but those are infrequent excursions. MLS holds a special place in my heart, and a shout-out to Charlotte FC is in order. My involvement is more for amusement these days; gone are the days of grinding away hundreds of dollars daily.

It's all in good fun – typically, I used to leave my Draftkings winnings untouched. However, my approach has shifted somewhat. I might kick off with a $100 investment, aiming to build it up to $300 or $400 before cashing out and starting anew. It's a refreshing cycle of challenge and entertainment. My focus, however, is decidedly more intense on Sorare, where my grind mentality truly finds its stride.

Honestly, the funds I've allocated to Sorare are exclusively from my crypto holdings. I made these crypto purchases years back when the market was at a low point. Over the course of about six years, my Bitcoin investment appreciated significantly, providing me with the means to indulge in collecting a bunch of dumb soccer JPEGs. To be candid, none of my income, savings, or checking accounts have been funneled into Sorare – it's solely the result of crypto gains.

It was a pivotal juncture when I joined Sorare, coinciding with a period of reflection on what my crypto holdings truly meant for me. After witnessing the roller coaster ride of value fluctuations for years, I began contemplating how I could make the most of my investment. It was during this time that Sorare entered the picture. I made a conscious decision to convert my Bitcoin assets into this unique pursuit, a choice that might raise eyebrows among staunch Bitcoin maximalists. But hey, I steered clear of purchasing Bored Apes, so there's that!

Budget

Having a well-structured budget plan from the start is something I definitely should have embraced. My approach was more piecemeal, making small purchases here and there. I thought I could gradually acquire inexpensive players, play strategically within a budget, and maybe aim for the Rare threshold or the Global All-Star. In hindsight, I wish I had gone all-in right from the beginning, investing the total amount I eventually put in. My biggest mistake in Sorare was my gradual investment approach – a drip-drip strategy, so to speak.

I grasped the essence of the game relatively quickly, understanding what it took to win, but it took me too long to fully realize the optimal strategy. If I had taken a more decisive approach from the outset, I might not have such regrets now. While some might have started at the same time and invested the same amount, I feel I might not have maximized my advantage due to my slower start.

On another note, I've admittedly dedicated a substantial amount of time to the SO5 game, bordering on obsession. However, looking at my collection, it's evident that I've committed a significant amount – or perhaps I should say spent extensively – particularly on Charlotte FC cards. Being a dedicated fan of my hometown club, I've striven to amass an extensive collection of every player released on the platform, including Rare and Super rare cards. My goal was to curate the most comprehensive and outstanding Charlotte FC collection on Sorare.

While it might not hold universal value, there's an underlying belief that Sorare, being a market and potentially evolving into a collecting platform, could see the value of these early editions appreciate over time. This is contingent on Sorare establishing its longevity and becoming a recognized name in the global sports industry. It's not a quick process; organic growth and establishing a reputation take time. If this trajectory is achieved, the early editions might indeed become sought-after collectibles in the years to come, given the shifting landscape of digital ownership and technology evolution.

My personal journey has been driven by enjoyment and the availability to make prudent investments. I've been fortunate enough to strike some good deals, particularly when acquiring unique Charlotte FC cards. Certain players flew under the radar during auctions, and I managed to secure unique cards at relatively reasonable prices. I won't deny there are aspects of my Sorare journey that I'm slightly embarrassed about, especially when examining my data receipts page. Nevertheless, I've also chalked up some savvy moves along the way. It's all part of the learning curve in this dynamic and ever-evolving game.

First card bought

Maintaining a personal spreadsheet is a practice I've adopted, which might come across as a tad obsessive.

My spreadsheet is quite comprehensive. It includes details of every card purchase, encompassing the acquisition date, the seller's identity, the purchase cost in both ETH and dollars, as well as links to the specific card pages. This allows me to meticulously monitor the trajectory of each card and how it has evolved over time.

For instance, my Sorare journey kicked off with the purchase of Matias Pellegrini, representing Inter Miami. Pellegrini was poised to be a significant player – an Argentine in MLS with notable potential. I was eager to acquire some MLS players, despite the league's season not yet being in full swing at the time of my purchase. Pellegrini, a young designated player, held substantial promise. Unfortunately, circumstances took an unexpected turn as he encountered issues with his coach, leading to a fallout that hindered his trajectory.

It's intriguing to observe how these individual cards evolve within the dynamic context of Sorare's platform and the larger soccer landscape. While this level of detail might seem a touch excessive, I've found it to be an effective way to track and analyze the progress of my investments.

The story behind my first card purchase is actually quite an adventure. I snagged this card for a mere 0.03 ETH, which was around $75 at the time – roughly 4% of 1 ETH. I bought it on February 19, 2021, a time when the market was heating up and deals were flourishing. Throughout February and March of that year, the market experienced an unprecedented surge, and some savvy traders were making a killing.

Despite not being a standout card, I acquired it and held onto it for the first few weeks. With the market frenzy in full swing, I decided to sell the card, listing it at a price considerably higher than what I had initially paid. That's when things took a peculiar turn. Shortly after the purchase, the buyer messaged me on Discord, admitting that his cat had unintentionally triggered the purchase by stepping on the keyboard. He proposed that I buy the card back, and in return, he'd send a bit of ETH as a gesture of appreciation for my understanding.

My response was an unequivocal "no." I wasn't about to buy back the card based on a cat-related story. This ignited a back-and-forth exchange in the chat, with both of us passionately asserting our positions. Ultimately, I stood my ground and declined to repurchase the card. The irate buyer subsequently sold the card to the SorareData bot – a tool created by Maxime, the founder of SorareData – which was designed to promptly buy mispriced cards and then sell them back to their owners at the same price. This bot came in handy for instances where mispriced cards were snapped up by bots before sellers could correct their listings, a problem stemming from Sorare's early days when such warnings were lacking.

To cut a long story short, the buyer's frustration led him to sell the card to the SorareData bot at a low price. I seized the opportunity, repurchasing the card for less than my original price. So, I ended up flipping the same card twice, thanks to a mix of one player's frustration and the assistance of a helpful bot.

It's a humorous anecdote, considering it involves my very first Sorare card. Over time, I've come to terms with the situation, and any lingering grudges have likely faded. When you explore my early card purchases, you'll come across a collection of rather unremarkable bench players. Back then, I was feeling my way around, navigating the intricacies of SorareData and the available player statistics. My approach was more trial-and-error, often targeting players based on their underpriced tags without a strategic outlook on how they could contribute to my lineups.

If I were to offer advice to newcomers – whether they're starting out now or back when I did – the most crucial suggestion would be to formulate a plan for your first five card purchases before diving into the first one. This preemptive strategy can provide a more focused and deliberate approach to building your initial collection.

Strategy evolutions

My initial strategies upon joining Sorare revolved around acquiring affordable players currently active in European leagues. This approach aimed to fulfill ETH thresholds, specifically targeting the 205 and 250 thresholds. Back then, Sorare was simpler; you could use a common goalkeeper, necessitating only four cards. It's worth mentioning that my perspective on the "old school" game is relatively recent, as I interact with true OGs who remember the game's 2019 dynamics.

In those early days, I concentrated on the MLS division due to my familiarity and preference for American soccer. My focus was on building a competitive MLS team, but I still made some less-than-ideal purchases as I was still familiarizing myself with Sorare's mechanics. Despite gaining some MLS cards, I wasn't making significant headway in acquiring valuable European cards as rewards.

My journey also included playing in the Under 23 division, aiming for the attractive rewards it offered. My efforts were relatively fruitful in this category, although I didn't clinch any major victories. Around the end of May, I secured a third-place finish in the America Rare division, earning a reward of Julian Alvarez, who represented River Plate. Alvarez later joined Manchester City, boasting a versatile skill set.

Even though I could have sold Alvarez for a substantial sum (1.5 ETH), he holds sentimental value as my inaugural reward card. This Argentine talent became my club's unofficial mascot and a representation of my loyalty to River Plate.

My summer strategy in 2021 capitalized on Under 23 players. If you had an Under 23 goalkeeper along with other quality Under 23 players, you could accumulate substantial rewards. During the summer of 2021, I found considerable success in the Under 23 division, with it being my most rewarding division, garnering around 12 rewards.

As the seasons shifted and Europe's leagues resumed in the fall of 2021, I transitioned into more intensive planning. I adopted a team-stacking approach, focusing on a single club rather than assembling a hodgepodge of players. This decision led me to KV Mechelen, a Belgian club that wasn't the strongest but was performing well.

Despite a series of changes and challenges, my strategy remained adaptable. In the fall of 2022, with MLS and America divisions ending, I had to reevaluate my European team. Financial considerations and the allure of other sports like NBA influenced my decision-making.

As of now, my Sorare journey is a mix of strategic gameplay, focusing on MLS with calculated investments in Charlotte FC cards. While my path has seen shifts and adjustments, I'm navigating the current market cycle with a focus on accumulating prizes and enjoying the aspects of Sorare beyond monetary gains.

During these periods, I've observed market fluctuations and have adjusted my trading activity accordingly. Currently, I'm in a phase of accumulation, waiting for the market cycle to shift in my favor before actively selling cards. This time also allows me to focus on the non-monetary aspects of Sorare, such as the sense of community and the learning experience that accompanies each match.

These intangible benefits, including attending matches and meeting fellow Sorare players in person, add a deeper dimension to my engagement with the platform. While the market undergoes its ups and downs, my connection to Sorare remains rooted in a diverse array of enjoyable experiences and interactions.

Selling Plan

I employ a selling strategy grounded in a proactive and strategic approach, focusing on recognizing key moments to capitalize on market fluctuations. I am willing to be assertive with sales, ensuring I am ahead of potential downturns or shifts in player performance. My awareness of player form, upcoming matchups, and potential challenges allows me to make well-timed decisions.

One of my notable successes was selling a player at his peak when I predicted a dip in form due to upcoming tough matchups. This decision resulted in a significant profit, showcasing my ability to navigate the market effectively. Additionally, my willingness to buy back a player after their value has dropped indicates a balanced understanding of market dynamics.

It's evident that I prioritize thinking in terms of ETH rather than fiat currency. This approach aligns with my long-term goal of ultimately benefiting from a potential increase in the value of ETH. By focusing on ETH profits, I am positioning myself for potential gains in the future, considering the broader cryptocurrency market trends.

My strategy is adaptable, recognizing that different levels of cards may require different considerations. While Limited cards might be more closely associated with fiat trading due to narrower ETH margins, higher-level cards like Super Rares prioritize ETH profits.

Balancing both ETH and fiat perspectives is crucial, especially when considering different card levels and market conditions. While my primary focus is on ETH profits, understanding the fiat aspect adds depth to my overall strategy.

In essence, my approach to selling is a mix of being proactive, timing sales strategically, and maintaining a long-term focus on ETH profits. This well-rounded strategy demonstrates my ability to navigate Sorare's dynamic marketplace effectively.

MLB & NBA

I joined Sorare primarily for my love of soccer, which drew me back into the world of fantasy sports after stepping away from baseball and basketball fantasy leagues. The idea of being part of the ground floor of a football-focused platform intrigued me, especially since I joined in 2021, around the same time as some seasoned veterans. It felt like a fresh opportunity to explore a new fantasy game and witness its evolution.

Participating in Sorare also brought back my enthusiasm for soccer, baseball, and basketball. I started following these sports more closely, similar to my engagement years ago before other commitments took over. It's been a positive aspect of my experience, reigniting my passion for these sports.

As for the markets of baseball and basketball, there's a sense that they are at a crucial juncture. The scarcity-driven approach and limited user base have led to declining prices. This downward trend has been especially evident in basketball and is likely to be seen in baseball as well, even with the launch of new seasons and auctions. There's a need for more compelling rewards in these sports to generate liquidity and stimulate interest.

Recently, Sorare held an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, where the question of introducing ETH rewards for baseball and basketball was raised. While it's not off the table, the response indicated that it's not an immediate focus. Personally, I believe that bringing ETH rewards to these sports is crucial to inject liquidity and incentivize participation.

Vision for the next 2 years

The past year, and especially the last six months, have seen a significant increase in the supply of Sorare cards across various sports and leagues. The influx of cards from Major League Baseball, NBA, second divisions, and the top five football leagues, including the Premier League, has created a situation where supply has outpaced demand. This surge in supply has posed challenges for maintaining a balanced market, as the rate of demand growth hasn't matched the rapid increase in available cards.

While it might sound like a Ponzi scheme to suggest that a massive influx of new users could revitalize the market, Sorare is not a Ponzi scheme. However, it does share some elements with such schemes, particularly the importance of achieving critical mass to stabilize the market. As Sorare gains more recognition and becomes a household name in the world of collecting cards, fantasy sports, and entertainment, these elements are likely to diminish, leading to a more stable and sustainable marketplace.

Looking ahead, there's a limit to how much more supply Sorare can add, especially in terms of football leagues, as they already cover the major European leagues. Exploring options like the Australian League or other regional leagues could be a possibility. However, the focus now needs to be on increasing demand. Encouraging more users to join Sorare, facilitating compelling progression within the platform, and launching a robust marketing campaign are crucial steps to achieving this goal.

Ultimately, the growth of the Sorare brand and the engagement of a larger user base will be key to achieving a healthier balance between supply and demand. By creating a dynamic ecosystem that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players, Sorare can foster an environment where the market stabilizes, and the potential for success becomes more attainable for all participants.