World 1, a sports-entertainment startup, is transforming the sports landscape with its new concept of 'Microsports', featuring sports events that conclude in just 30 seconds.
Reimagining Sports for Mobile
Led by CEO Brett Morris, World 1 aims to adapt sports to mobile platforms by creating entirely new sports tailored for social media feeds. "We're building a new sports industry for the phone," Morris told The Hollywood Reporter. The company aims to capture the growing ad dollars on mobile platforms without relying on subscriptions or microtransactions for now.
High-Stakes, Short-Format Competitions
World 1 President Nate Thomas, known for his work on BattleBots, explained that the focus is on making highlights the sport itself. "Fans never have to wonder if what they’re watching matters," Thomas said. Events are designed to be intense and decisive, with titles on the line in each 30-second event.
Their initial events include 'Fastest', where participants sprint for maximum speed in a 'Speed Chamber', and 'Strongest', which involves combined weightlifting feats. These competitions, overseen by sports tech director Mike Weinstein, emphasize "maximum drama in minimum time."
Backed by Notable Investors and Olympians
World 1's founding investors include big names like Mark Cuban, Palms Sports from Abu Dhabi, producer Jim Swartz, and private-equity expert Dan McClory. Among its founders are 10 Olympic medalists, including Janet Evans and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Global Expansion Plans
The company is preparing to launch its events worldwide with the World 1 Arena, a modular stage adaptable to any large indoor venue. The debut event date and location will be announced soon, featuring a mix of Olympic medalists and rising stars.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/microdramas-birth-microsports-world-1-exclusive-1236656133/
