ZeNoob is the first person we receive who is registered before June 2019. ZeNoob is one of the top 150 and this is an outstanding achievement. We'd like to congratulate him on his personal watch.

Alexis, known as ZeNoob on Sorare, has dedicated himself to being a full-time content creator focused on Sorare for over two years. His journey as a Sorare manager began in May 2019, specifically on the 15th of that month, a date that holds great significance for him. It might sound peculiar when put this way, but this date has had a profound impact on his life. He has been actively involved in Sorare for more than four years now, and his passion for the game runs deep. While the path hasn't always been without its challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment.

Primarily, ZeNoob is an IT developer, which naturally aligns him with the technology landscape. His fascination with crypto, blockchain technology, and web3 has been ongoing since 2017. During that time, he shared an apartment with two individuals, one of whom was also transitioning into the IT field. ZeNoob engaged in conversations with them about crypto and blockchain concepts. One evening, ZeNoob's roommate mentioned a new project in the works, citing an article that detailed Xavier Niel's investment of 100,000 euros, if his memory serves him right. The project centered around the convergence of crypto, blockchain, and soccer – a perfect combination for ZeNoob and his soccer-loving roommates. Without hesitation, ZeNoob accessed the website.

The project resonated with him instantly – it was precisely the type of endeavor he had been seeking for over two years. Discovering Sorare felt like a stroke of luck, and ZeNoob is immensely grateful for it. Initially, he purchased cards out of pure excitement, but as he delved deeper, he recognized its potential as a serious investment opportunity that also provided enjoyment. It was a dynamic space where he could combine fun and the potential for financial gains.

First cards bought

After spending just an hour on the Sorare platform, ZeNoob was completely sold on the concept and swiftly made his first card purchase. Upon encountering the site and grasping its unique concept, including the ability to acquire cards, ZeNoob was captivated. He remembers returning home from work around 6 p.m. and realizing there were auctions ongoing until 8 p.m. Without hesitation, ZeNoob accessed his ETH reserves, transferred them to Sorare, and purchased his inaugural card for a mere 3 to 5 euros.

His enthusiasm for web3 had been flourishing for the past two years, leading him to explore various projects and invest in different cryptocurrencies – a typical journey for someone venturing into the world of web3. Evidently, ZeNoob was on a quest to find a project that intertwined one of his core passions, soccer, with web3 technology. The moment he stumbled upon Sorare, he recognized its potential as a groundbreaking venture and swiftly decided to participate.

Leveraging his prior experiences with Panini and FIFA, ZeNoob's intuition assured him that this project held promise. The fusion of his soccer passion with web3 seemed destined for success, further motivating him to dive into purchasing cards. His journey commenced in collaboration with his roommate, who held an impressive understanding of the Belgian league – a domain ZeNoob was unfamiliar with. While his previous involvement in sports betting had granted him a degree of familiarity with MLS and Asian soccer, he had no prior knowledge of the Jupiler Pro League (JPL). ZeNoob's roommate, well-versed in identifying talented players, urged him to invest in Victor Osimhen, vouching for his prowess as a remarkable talent. Without a second thought, ZeNoob followed his advice and acquired the card.

Budget

When ZeNoob joined Sorare, the community consisted of around 100 to 150 members. The market dynamics were influenced by two major players, YNWA and RickOShay. The Discord community was relatively small, comprising fewer than 50 members, with only about 10 being actively engaged. It was a unique and fascinating experience to be part of this early phase, where communication and interactions were straightforward. Notably, Nicolas Julia, the co-founder and CEO of Sorare, was among the active participants, which added to the intimate and personable atmosphere.

One of the intriguing aspects of this era was the sense of connection and familiarity among the community. With such a small group, every newcomer's presence was noticeable – whether through participation in auctions or card purchases. The auctions were particularly captivating as they operated within specific time slots, and only one Rare card would be auctioned off roughly every ten minutes. This scarcity led to an interesting dynamic where cards purchased for around 3 to 5 euros could be resold overnight for a modest profit. The limited auction availability prompted new entrants from regions like America and Asia to turn to the secondary market, driving demand and allowing for profitable quick flips.

During ZeNoob's initial year, he heavily engaged in buying and reselling cards, leveraging the prevailing market dynamics. As Sorare's gameplay and ecosystem evolved, he transitioned his strategy. At that time, listing a card for sale virtually guaranteed its swift purchase due to the high demand and limited supply.

His approach was grounded in a long-term perspective, coupled with a belief in Sorare's potential for growth. While he didn't have an unlimited budget and had yet to establish a precise financial framework, ZeNoob recognized the importance of accumulating as much ETH as possible. His goal was to build a substantial gallery over time, positioning himself advantageously for future developments.

Throughout this journey, ZeNoob embraced calculated risk while maintaining a strong belief in the project's potential. While risk was inherent, he ensured that his financial involvement remained within safe parameters. His intention was to be well-prepared and well-equipped to participate at a high level when the project inevitably gained traction and flourished.

Business Rewards & Content creation

For the first two years, ZeNoob's involvement with Sorare was primarily centered around active participation on platforms like Discord. However, his journey into content creation didn't begin until around two to two and a half years later. This shift was prompted by a growing dissatisfaction with his job, coupled with a deep-rooted interest in the online world, entertainment, streaming, and YouTube videos.

While he was drawn to the idea of engaging with online content creation, ZeNoob found himself hesitant to dive into something as time-intensive as FIFA or similar pursuits. The commitment and luck required in those realms were considerable, and he was keen on dedicating a significant portion of his time to exploring the web3 landscape. As a result, he embarked on a journey of exploring various projects within the web3 space.

When he witnessed Sorare's stability and recognized the potential to tap into a share of its growing audience, a thought began to take shape – the possibility of forging a more or less sustained career from content creation in this domain. This realization provided the impetus for ZeNoob to take the leap and give it a try, thus marking the inception of his content creation journey within the Sorare ecosystem.

The trigger

This period coincided with a phase where ZeNoob began to see promising returns through competition rewards. It was also a time marked by his growing dissatisfaction with his job. Simultaneously, his career in development had enabled him to accumulate a sufficient financial safety net, providing several months' worth of security if his new endeavor didn't materialize as planned. With these factors aligning, ZeNoob saw a unique opportunity and decided to seize it.

The start of a content creation strategy

In the early stages, there's a certain level of recklessness when you're diving into a new field without prior experience – a feeling that often prompts you to take on everything at once. In ZeNoob's case, despite the unconventional choice, his primary interest centered around Twitch for live streaming. While it might not have been the most fitting platform for Sorare content, ZeNoob harbors no regrets about his decision. The allure of real-time interaction on Twitch is undeniable, and even though Sorare's format wasn't inherently suited to it, he managed to create something unique and enjoyable. His passion for Twitch remains unwavering, and while he's not a fervent consumer of content himself, he derives immense satisfaction from creating and sharing.

One of the initial steps in ZeNoob's content creation journey involved establishing a Twitch channel. Prior to fully immersing himself in content creation, he had already dabbled in a few live streams, and the experience was both enjoyable and encouraging, with a modest audience turnout. He was fortunate in a way, unlike other streamers who grapple with low viewer counts or even starting from scratch, his streams consistently garnered at least 18 to 20 viewers. This was a significant advantage, as the world of streaming can be tough for newcomers who struggle with minimal engagement. A small audience or none at all can make it challenging to captivate viewers, and even passersby may dismiss a stream if they perceive it to lack entertainment value. This situation can make it difficult to establish and retain an audience.

However, ZeNoob was fortunate in that he managed to tap into an untapped niche within the market, and consequently, he didn't face the initial hurdles of capturing an audience's attention. This unique positioning was crucial in ensuring that he had interaction and engagement, which in turn facilitated a more relaxed and enjoyable experience on Twitch. His journey into content creation commenced with Twitch, and the sense of connection and interaction it facilitated was truly incredible.

If he had the chance to start over, ZeNoob would undoubtedly choose Twitch again. Despite recognizing the importance of YouTube for content creation, Twitch's appeal and fun factor are simply irresistible to him. His heart lies in the interactive and real-time nature of Twitch, and he harbors no regrets about this choice. Although YouTube videos may be the conventional route, ZeNoob finds unparalleled joy on Twitch, and he wouldn't trade a single moment of it.

In the early stages, his streams attracted a modest yet engaging audience, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for interaction. These initial streams served as test runs, primarily driven by the enjoyment of the process. Eventually, he decided to take the leap and fully commit to content creation after leaving his job. However, generating revenue wasn't an immediate outcome. It required meeting various milestones, such as unlocking Twitch monetization, building audience loyalty, and convincing viewers to support the channel. This process took time, and he's still far from completing the journey.

One of the challenges as a content creator within the Sorare ecosystem is the dependence on Sorare's success for monetization. If the project faces setbacks, content creators' engagement and interest naturally decline. This inherent risk is why ZeNoob is exploring diversification in content creation, both for practical reasons and personal fulfillment. Despite the uncertainties, the Sorare community has consistently offered tremendous support, and he's immensely grateful for it.

While Sorare has provided him with opportunities and exposure, ZeNoob believes that relying solely on the platform isn't a sustainable approach. It's essential to carve out one's path and not solely depend on Sorare's backing. The platform might spotlight successful creators like John Nellis, offering unique experiences and support, but ultimately, individual creators must find their own footing.

Sorare's potential to set up a creator program raises questions about their priorities. While established content creators may be sponsored, a creator program could be in Sorare's best interest for fostering a diverse and thriving content ecosystem. Regardless, ZeNoob is driven by the belief that success should be earned through personal efforts. While Sorare's backing is valuable, he is committed to making his own mark, knowing that if he succeeds, it's a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Tips for a new content creator

Indeed, the perception of joy is highly subjective, varying from person to person based on individual preferences. In the realm of business and content creation, certain platforms have proven to be particularly effective, with Twitter and YouTube standing out prominently. However, certain foundational principles should guide one's approach.

Before considering a paid offering, it's imperative to establish credibility and demonstrate value to the audience. Launching a paid service without first proving oneself often raises skepticism and may not yield the desired outcomes. In essence, trust and rapport need to be built before introducing a paid element.

In the landscape of content creation, consistency holds immense importance, sometimes even outweighing sheer quality. It's a somewhat paradoxical truth that regular and frequent postings, even if not of the highest quality, can still garner a following. Maintaining a steady presence, especially on platforms like Twitter, can lead to a dedicated audience even if the content is not always groundbreaking. This phenomenon is indeed remarkable and showcases the power of consistent engagement.

However, when it comes to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, the dynamics shift. Regular posting remains a crucial factor, but quality becomes increasingly vital. Unlike Twitter, where frequent engagement can draw attention, these platforms demand a higher standard of content. Posting daily but delivering subpar quality won't lead to breakthrough success. Instead, polished and engaging content is essential for cutting through the noise and capturing the audience's interest.

In essence, the key lies in finding a balance between quality and consistency. While regular posting is important, maintaining a high standard of content is equally crucial for long-term success. The content creation journey is a dynamic interplay between these factors, requiring creators to adapt and refine their approach based on the platform and audience expectations.

Challenges

Unlocking monetization on Twitch is a matter of meeting the platform's specific criteria, a fairly straightforward process. However, the journey to build audience loyalty and encourage subscriptions involves a delicate blend of playing to one's personality and providing valuable content that resonates with users. Convincing people to support your channel requires creating a connection and offering something genuinely useful and engaging.

The support and camaraderie from the French Sorare community have been nothing short of remarkable, and ZeNoob is incredibly grateful. Each individual has their preferred content creator, driven by personal preferences, personality affinities, and the unique value each creator brings to the table. This diversity enriches the ecosystem, and viewers naturally gravitate towards those who resonate with them.

Twitch isn't a one-size-fits-all platform; it demands a certain level of outgoing personality due to the real-time and interactive nature of live streaming. Entertaining an audience in front of a camera can be challenging, making Twitch a better fit for individuals with a more extroverted disposition. On the other hand, YouTube offers a different experience that may be more manageable for some creators, although it comes with its own set of challenges.

For those pursuing content creation primarily for personal enjoyment, the approach can be more relaxed, and success is measured by personal satisfaction rather than external metrics. In contrast, if content creation is a means of livelihood, the dynamics change. This often leads to a pursuit of attention and engagement, as influencers, including those in the Sorare community, seek to gain traction and visibility. It's not uncommon for influencers to stir up buzz or engage in drama to attract attention.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance where content creation aligns with personal interests while resonating with the audience. When you can showcase your passions and personality while enjoying the process, it's a remarkable and fulfilling experience.

Sorare's strategy

ZeNoob initially focused on buying and selling players to create a competitive gallery for the divisions he wanted to participate in. He recognized his financial limitations and approached the market cautiously, avoiding Uniques due to the potential risks associated with them. His main goal was to enjoy acquiring players he liked and gradually build up his gallery.

As the game evolved and competitions were introduced, he shifted his attention to accumulating rewards as a means to further develop his gallery. He aimed to establish a substantial gallery to support his endeavors, particularly his determination to compete in the prestigious Champion Europe division. This goal led him to make decisions that, in hindsight, might seem impulsive or financially suboptimal.

ZeNoob prioritized securing key players for the Champion Europe division, even if it meant making early investments that might have appeared excessive. His strategy was oriented towards the long term, and he accepted the trade-offs in pursuit of his goals. While he made timing errors and overpaid for some players during Sorare's peak hype, he remained steadfast in his approach due to his commitment to content creation and his vision for the future.

Despite facing challenges with timing and investment decisions, ZeNoob acknowledges that his strategy has its flaws. However, he embraces the uniqueness of his journey and the profile of players he's acquired. While he has encountered moments of uncertainty and made decisions that may not have been the most profitable, he has no regrets. His gallery is now well-stocked for the upcoming season, aligning with his vision for sustained success in the Champion Europe division.

Although he's faced challenges and has occasionally been swayed by market trends, ZeNoob's commitment to content creation and his long-term strategy have kept him on this path. He recognizes the lessons he's learned and is excited about the potential for future growth and success within Sorare.

Buying tips

ZeNoob's primary focus has shifted towards SO5, and he prioritizes making strategic player selections for this format. While he engages in fewer buying and selling activities now, he still places a strong emphasis on the SO5 game mode. When it comes to acquiring high-priced cards that exhibit outstanding performance, he is inclined to make the purchase. He considers the potential returns over the course of a few game weeks, and if the player consistently delivers exceptional results, the initial cost can be justified.

Price becomes a secondary consideration for him when acquiring top-tier players. He is less preoccupied with the immediate cost and more focused on the player's potential to contribute significantly to his team's performance. Naturally, well-known players with established track records carry a certain level of reliability and value, making them attractive additions to his roster.

However, he exercises more caution when evaluating players who may have uncertainties surrounding their U23 status, league changes, or bench appearances. In these cases, he takes a more careful approach to ensure that he is making informed decisions that align with his overall strategy.

Ultimately, ZeNoob's approach to acquiring expensive players for SO5 is guided by a combination of their proven performance, potential returns over several game weeks, and the overall value they bring to his team. He prioritizes building a competitive and dynamic roster that enhances his chances of success in the SO5 format.

Wallet

ZeNoob prefers a more long-term and strategic approach to managing his Sorare gallery. Planning for the season and having his players bought and set in advance provides stability and allows him to focus on the bigger picture rather than getting caught up in short-term fluctuations.

Engaging in one-shot bets and constantly adjusting the roster for each gameweek can introduce a higher level of complexity and uncertainty, especially given the market's historical volatility. While the market has stabilized to some extent, it's wise to consider budget and the potential risks involved before delving into short-term trading strategies.

Moreover, as Sorare introduces new features and announcements that may require additional time and attention, finding a balance between managing the gallery, staying informed about player availability, and handling real-life commitments becomes crucial. Sorare can be time-consuming, and each manager must find an approach that suits their lifestyle and priorities.

Many managers have varying levels of time availability due to work, family, and other responsibilities. Making thoughtful decisions that align with personal circumstances and goals is key to enjoying the Sorare experience while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Ultimately, ZeNoob's commitment to a more stable, season-long strategy reflects his understanding of the game's dynamics and his willingness to adapt his approach based on his available resources and time constraints. It's important to find an approach that allows one to make the most of Sorare while ensuring a positive and manageable experience.

Roster size

ZeNoob believes that, with the recent update in Sorare that takes into account fitness and other factors, having a roster of 20 players is necessary to be competitive in a division. He mentions that previously, 15 players could suffice for a single division, but with the addition of fitness and other considerations, having a larger roster is advantageous. This change introduces new elements of quantity, quality, and consistency in managing a roster.

The introduction of collection bonuses and fitness management means that consistency in the roster is now crucial. This shift has both advantages and disadvantages. On the downside, it may make Sorare more complex and time-consuming, especially for those who were used to a simpler approach. On the upside, it could potentially allow players to spend less time checking for Did Not Play (DNP) statuses and focus more on managing the roster effectively.

For a Cap of 240, having a consistent collection of 20 cards is beneficial. However, for Europe and Champion Europe divisions, ZeNoob questions the viability of creating a roster of 20 cards consisting of players from various clubs. He believes that to be competitive in Champion Europe, one would need an ultra-competitive roster, making it a challenging and complicated endeavor. In Limited, while it's still possible to compete, the rewards may not always justify the investment in a diverse roster.

ZeNoob raises the point that while playing in a single European Champion division on a budget is possible and enjoyable for some, it may not be the most optimized way to play Sorare. The difficulty of achieving success in highly competitive divisions should be considered when building a roster, especially if the rewards don't align with the value of the roster itself.

New strategy for beginners or not

ZeNoob discusses an emerging strategy in Sorare that he finds interesting, which involves playing a Cap 240 Rare lineup for full profitability. This strategy prioritizes profitability over fun or entertainment, with the goal of maximizing earnings. However, he notes that it can be a less enjoyable approach because it focuses solely on making a profit.

While ZeNoob doesn't intend to widely promote this strategy, he plans to discuss it on his streams and content. He emphasizes that Sorare was originally designed as a game, meant to be fun, and about assembling your favorite players while having a hope of winning. He believes it's essential not to miss out on the profitability aspect that can be used to enhance the enjoyment of the game. By generating profits, players can finance their fun without having to frequently invest additional funds and potentially experiencing frustration when rewards don't meet expectations.

ZeNoob acknowledges that some players find enjoyment in the Cap division and emphasizes that they are right in pursuing their own style of fun and engagement. He also mentions the existence of pure investor profiles in Sorare, highlighting the diversity of approaches within the platform.

Sales strategy

ZeNoob shares his experience as one of the first managers to make a wave of sales at a loss in Sorare. He recalls a time when he had reached the limit of his budget and had some dead cards in his collection. In order to reinvest in more useful cards, he decided to sell some of his cards, even if it meant selling at a loss. This decision was motivated by the need for an emotional release, as selling at a loss is never enjoyable.

He explains that, in his view, selling at a loss was a good move because the capital generated from the sales allowed him to make more profitable investments. In the long run, the profits from the new investments outweighed the losses incurred from the initial sales. However, he acknowledges that the best move would have been not to sell at a loss at all.

ZeNoob goes on to describe his strategy of choosing players, buying them early, and not expecting to earn rewards. He mentions that he has sold around 90% of his rewards, which he acknowledges may not necessarily be the smartest choice but is part of his overall strategy.

He also notes that he plans to change his rewards strategy in the future, especially with the latest update that introduces bonuses. He believes it can be more beneficial to keep rewards now, considering the additional factors to optimize in player choices and gallery management, such as bonuses, fitness, collection, and more.

Vision for Sorare's future

ZeNoob reflects on the uncertain future of Sorare, acknowledging that the platform has taken players in various directions, both positive and negative, making it challenging to predict where Sorare will be in two years' time.

He expresses his hope that in two years, the soccer product within Sorare will be almost finished, with a coherent and well-established base. He believes that a solid foundation is beginning to take shape, and he looks forward to Sorare being an established product with effective marketing strategies in place.

ZeNoob also hopes that any technical and regulatory obstacles will have been resolved and that the introduction of features like Cash Wallet will have a positive impact. He anticipates the development of other sports like the NBA within Sorare and envisions experiments, jersey distribution, and physical products being part of the platform's future.

One of his biggest hopes is for Sorare to provide a fun gameplay experience and for players to prioritize entertainment over profitability. He believes that this is a significant challenge, as many users are currently focused on profit. He emphasizes that if Sorare can achieve its mission of being more entertaining than sports betting, it would be a significant accomplishment.

Ultimately, ZeNoob acknowledges that time will tell how Sorare evolves, and he remains optimistic about its potential to become the product that many have been waiting for.

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