Created a card game at 7, became a millionaire at 15, this boy is now building his own gaming empire

Time of India

6 days ago

At just 7 years old, most kids are busy playing video games, but for one boy, playtime turned into a startup idea that would change his life. Meet
Alex Butler
, a teenage prodigy from Seattle who designed a simple
card game
, Taco vs.
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Burrito, in his elementary school classroom, a project that exploded into a viral sensation. With help from his entrepreneurial mother Leslie Pierson, Alex turned a small Kickstarter campaign into a booming business.
By the time he turned 15, the game had sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide and generated more than $1 million in revenue. Now, instead of slowing down, Alex is scaling up. With a deal struck with toy giant PlayMonster and plans to move into digital experiences, he is building what could become the next big name in the gaming world.
How it all started at 7: A school project turned global hit
Alex's journey began with an idea during family game nights and eventually as a fun side project. He sketched out a quirky, strategy-based card game that pitted tacos against burritos, and shared it with friends and teachers. His parents saw potential and helped him crowdfund $25,000 to get the first print run made. The family formed a company, Hot Taco Inc., and launched the game on Amazon. To their surprise, it quickly sold out and soared to the top of Amazon's bestseller lists.
It eventually ranked as the No. 1 bestselling game in its category, spawning two expansions and a loyal fanbase.
Millionaire before high school graduation
By age 15, Alex Butler had already crossed the million-dollar mark. The game's popularity grew through independent retailers, viral YouTube reviews, and its success on Amazon. The Butler family ran operations themselves, from manufacturing and logistics to marketing. Eventually, Alex decided to sell the rights to Taco vs.
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Burrito to Wisconsin-based PlayMonster in a cash deal, although the terms were undisclosed. Despite the game's financial success, Alex admitted he wasn't emotionally attached to it and simply wanted to get the most value from the deal.
A gaming empire in the making
Although he has moved on from Taco vs. Burrito, Alex isn't done with the world of games. He is now exploring other creative paths, including music production, sports, and video games.
While plans for a full
gaming empire
or digital platform haven't been formally announced, his early business acumen and experience managing a top-selling game have laid the foundation for whatever venture he chooses next. Alex's story is already influencing a new generation of kid entrepreneurs.
Not just about money: Inspiring the next generation
With support from his family, Alex is using his platform to inspire others. His success shows that kids don't need to wait until adulthood to start creating, building, and succeeding.
While he hasn't launched formal workshops yet, he and his mother have voiced strong support for creativity, entrepreneurship, and screen-free games. The values behind Taco vs. Burrito continue to resonate with families looking for more meaningful ways to connect offline.
What's next for Alex?
Whether he is eyeing a Lamborghini or building toward a new digital venture, Alex Butler is far more than just a teenage millionaire. He is part of a broader wave of American teens leveraging the internet to build businesses early.
His journey from kitchen table sketches to a global bestseller is proof that curiosity and support, not age, are the keys to innovation. As he continues to grow, all eyes are on where this young creator's imagination will lead him next.