Latest news with #GotGame
Reuters
31-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Lucra and GotGame Team Up to Power Real-Money Video Challenges for the Next Generation of Athletes
NEW YORK, NY, July 31, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- Lucra, opens new tab, the leading social competition platform, today announced a strategic new partnership with GotGame, opens new tab, a gamified, video-based challenge platform for skill-based competitions designed to connect and inspire the next generation of athletes and creators. Through the integration, Lucra will power real-money tournaments and user-generated competitions directly within the GotGame mobile app, allowing users to join skill-based challenges for the chance to win cash, prizes, and community bragging rights. This partnership marks another step in Lucra's expansion across the digital media and gaming ecosystem. By integrating with GotGame's fast-growing, TikTok-style experience, Lucra continues to demonstrate the flexibility of its technology to support cutting-edge use cases across emerging digital categories. GotGame was built for a new generation of competitors who are underserved by traditional fitness apps and social media platforms. Unlike traditional fitness tools focused on limited sports or static training, GotGame offers a dynamic, video-first experience centered on competition, creativity, and community. By embedding Lucra, every GotGame challenge becomes a high-energy opportunity to win–seamlessly and securely. 'GotGame has built something electric—fun, fast, and creator-led,' said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. 'With Lucra's infrastructure natively powering play behind the scenes, GotGame can now deliver real-money competitions that match the energy of their community and deepen user engagement.' With Lucra natively embedded in the GotGame app, users will be able to launch and join cash-enabled competitions directly from their challenge feeds—no friction, no app-switching. It's a new way to build community, celebrate performance, and bring real value to the competitive content that athletes are already creating and consuming. 'Lucra was the clear choice for us,' said Brando Caveiro, CEO of GotGame. 'Their technology gives us the flexibility to scale tournaments and cash challenges in a way that feels natural to our product and exciting for our users. Together, we're building a home where tomorrow's athletes can connect, compete, and get rewarded for showcasing their skills.' By adding Lucra, GotGame is unlocking new monetization pathways and doubling down on its mission to reward and recognize human effort—providing a richer, more dynamic platform for athletes and creators. With the integration launching soon, both companies are focused on delivering a next-gen competition experience that's native to how athletes play, share, and engage in the digital era. About Lucra Lucra is the leading provider of social competition services, offering hospitality, entertainment, and media brands the ability to natively integrate competitive gameplay into their digital platforms. Clients like Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, Dave & Buster's, TouchTunes, and more use Lucra's white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at opens new tab. About GotGame GotGame is a gamified, video-challenge platform where users compete in short-form, skill-based challenges for real rewards, with submissions reviewed for fairness. The platform bridges the gap between traditional fitness apps and social media by fostering a performance-focused environment that celebrates creativity, talent, and competitive spirit. Learn more at opens new tab. Media Contact Michael Maddingmichael@ ### SOURCE: Lucra Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
The South African
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Willie le Roux: Architect of chaos, master of clutch
Home » Willie le Roux: Architect of chaos, master of clutch As he plays his 100th Test this weekend, Willie le Roux will carry not only the hopes of a nation, but also the weight of his own journey. Image: SA Rugby The air in the Yokohama International Stadium during the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final against Wales was thick with a tension that mirrored the divided opinions of a nation. As Willie le Roux moved the ball, took a high ball, or made a decision, every Springbok fan held their breath. According to Clinton van der Berg's Got Game website, for months, and even through the early stages of the tournament, the public outcry had been relentless. 'Willie 'knock-on' Le Roux hasn't belonged on the squad for a very long time now,' echoed comments across social media and punditry, demanding his exclusion due to perceived errors and a style deemed too risky. The anxious murmurs and frustrated groans from the crowd during his less polished moments were almost audible. Yet, behind the scenes, a different narrative was unfolding. As revealed in Chasing the Sun , which offered rare insight into the Bok machinations, coach Rassie Erasmus unequivocally backed his inscrutable fullback, even revealing to the team that Le Roux was playing through a significant shoulder injury and had humbly offered to step aside. Erasmus famously countered the external noise by presenting his squad with a video highlighting Le Roux's crucial, often unseen, off-the-ball contributions: the subtle movements, the decoy runs, the uncredited passes that fractured defences. This unwavering faith was spectacularly vindicated. As the Springboks ground their way through the semi-final and into the final against England, Le Roux, despite the pain and the immense public pressure, produced ballsy, influential performances. His experience, calm organisation of the defence, and crucial decision-making proved vital in securing the Webb Ellis Cup. The initial groans of concern were ultimately eclipsed by roars of relief and celebration as his subtle excellence contributed to the Springboks' triumphs, validating Erasmus's trust. His critics were is the essence of Le Roux, the Springboks' quintessential 'Marmite Man'. You either love his audacious brilliance or despair at his perceived mistakes. As he now prepares to run out for his 100th Test, against Italy this weekend, his journey remains a testament to a unique talent who consistently managed to quiet the noise, stepping into the glaring spotlight of the biggest moments to produce the goods. He is the unusual architect of Springbok backline magic, a player who endures not just through sheer talent, but through an almost uncanny ability to deliver when it truly often been described as an 'underrated' player, an 'architect' of the backline, but also as someone prone to 'silly mistakes' or being past his sell-by he himself has acknowledged, 'Half the people like me, the other half don't. It is what it is.' This love-hate relationship stems from his unique, high-risk, high-reward style. When it works, it's brilliant, opening up opportunities that few others see. When it doesn't, it can be costly. Yet, his coaches and teammates consistently back Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard once noted, 'Willie doesn't get enough credit for the work he does off the ball. So often Willie is fracturing defences with those little cross-kicks or delayed passes.' For the coaching staff, his value extends far beyond the observable. Le Roux's true genius lies in his rugby intellect. He operates as the playmaker of the backline, even when not wearing the flyhalf jersey. His ability to pop up as a second or even first receiver, manipulate defensive lines, and deliver pinpoint passes is unparalleled. He's a master of the 'triple threat' (running, passing, and kicking) constantly probing for weaknesses. His vision allows him to exploit gaps in the opposition defence, setting up teammates like Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe for tries that often have his unseen influence at their core. The Paul Roos Gymnasium old boy's greatest feats are deeply intertwined with the Springboks' recent golden era. He was instrumental in both the recent World Cup victories, even when he offered to step aside the first time.'Rassie's response surprised me,' Le Roux chuckled, recalling Erasmus telling him he was 'being ridiculous.'Behind the often-stoic exterior on the field, Le Roux is a deeply emotional player who cares intensely about his performance and, more importantly, his team. If it means barking at teammates and referees, so be heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former Springbok and Bulls team-mate Cornal Hendricks underscored the profound personal connections forged through milestone of 100 caps is more than just a number; it represents a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of a dream that first took hold during his Stellenbosch his century for the Springboks signifies his enduring commitment and the trust placed in him by multiple coaching regimes since his debut 13 years ago. It's a staggering testament to his longevity, adaptability, and plain bloody-mindedness. As he steps onto the field for his 100th Test this weekend, Le Roux will carry not only the hopes of a nation but also the weight of his own remarkable journey; a journey from a small-town talent to a true Springbok centurion, and an enduring symbol of a love for the game that transcends opinion – no matter how divided. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Will Swimming SA's crushing court loss spark change across SA sport?
This was because of the humiliating loss the ruling body of SA aquatic sport took in the Western Cape High Court, where a judge ruled that the breakaway South African Water Polo (SAWP) organisation has the legal right to exist. SSA's bid to interdict the upstarts was a massive embarrassment in keeping with the general state of dysfunction that abounds. According to Clinton van der Berg, writing on his 'Got Game' website, the court found SSA does not have an exclusive, perpetual right to govern water polo in South Africa. It also upheld SA Water Polo's constitutional right to freedom of association. SAWP was formed by disillusioned coaches, players, and officials aiming to improve the sport's governance and performance. They had simply had enough. While SSA remains the officially recognised federation, the ruling opens the door for SAWP to potentially become the national governing body in the future. This is the same SSA which last month failed to acknowledge the death of Joan Harrison, South Africa's first Olympic swimming champion. This is the same SSA which failed to mention Tatjana Schoenmaker on its social platforms when she was winning gold at the Olympic Games. This is the same SSA which revels in controversy. In recent years there have been governance and leadership challenges with the federation's executive, including president Alan Fritz, serving beyond the constitutional three-term limit, raising legal and ethical questions. Additionally, elite artistic swimmers Jessica Hayes-Hill and Laura Strugnell successfully challenged SSA's disciplinary actions after being controversially sent home from the 2024 World Championships, leading to a R7.2 million lawsuit. 'Deceitful actioning of training protocol without management approval,' was cited by SSA, a vague charge that has raised eyebrows. SSA also admitted to an unconstitutional clause in its constitution forbidding members from suing the federation, promising amendments. Allegations of poor leadership, inadequate communication, and insufficient support for non-swimming aquatic sports persist, fuelling calls for urgent reform and greater transparency. The court ruling sets an important precedent: dissatisfaction with poor governance can lead to the rise of alternative structures, challenging entrenched federations. Given South Africa's widespread sports administration crises, including financial mismanagement and weak accountability, this could inspire similar breakaways, underscoring the urgent need for reform to restore trust and stability. The ruling is a wake-up call. Will the powers that be answer it? And will other sports pay heed? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
The boot and polish man who had a window into history
It's not a long way from Boksburg to Ellis Park, but for Robbie Schlemmer, 24 June 1995, was no ordinary trip. As the boot and change room manager for the Springboks, he was heading into a day that would change South African sport forever, one polished boot, one quiet checklist at a time. According to Clinton van der Berg, writing on his 'Got Game' website, Schlemmer remembers how he steered his trusty Toyota Corolla through the quiet, wintry streets of Johannesburg that morning. The city was still, but he felt the tension rising. At Ellis Park, South Africa's great rugby fortress, all was calm. He knew the day would be special. His job was simple in theory but meticulous in practice: set up the changeroom, make sure everything was perfect. Geyser on? Tick. Lights on? Tick. Clean and tidy? Tick. Soap? Tick. Toilet paper? Tick. Ice machine filled? Tick. Cold drinks and Castles? Tick. Snacks? Tick. Physio bed? Tick. Air conditioner? Tick. Then came the sacred ritual: unpacking the socks, shorts and green and gold Springbok jerseys, each laid out beneath a name tag, match programme balanced neatly on top. The balls had to be pumped to exact IRB specifications: 9.5 to 10 pounds per square inch. If any boots looked shabby, out came the polish and brush. The manne had to look sharp. Robbie Schlemmer began working at Ellis Park in the late 1980s after a friend asked him to help out. He earned R85 per Saturday before tax. 'The Transvaal players also got a koevertjie with their R800 match fee,' he recalls. The changeroom had its fair share of characters. The most intimidating? Louis Luyt. After a loss, he was fearsome. But not to Hennie le Roux, the team's sharp-tongued shop steward, and Luyt hated that. 'An insidious personality,' wrote Luyt of Le Roux in his autobiography. 'He turned out to be a true prima donna.' James Small, by contrast, was a 'great oke' who believed Schlemmer deserved more recognition. Big men like Kobus Wiese and Balie Swart treated him like gold. Wiese still messages him on his birthday. 'Johan Heunis was pure class, and Japie Mulder was always chirping, joking, smiling,' says Schlemmer. Francois Pienaar, the captain, even mentioned him in his autobiography Rainbow Warrior , calling Schlemmer 'my most loyal supporter'. Coach Kitch Christie once told him, only half-jokingly, that he was the Lions' lucky charm: 'They only lost twice when I was sick.' As the 1995 Rugby World Cup approached, it slowly dawned on Schlemmer that he might be involved. When he received his official accreditation as 'Change room manager,' it became real. That afternoon, he was busy seeing to the players' needs when a commotion broke out. He heard Nelson Mandela before he saw him. 'And then I knew, you could put your house on the Boks winning.' Mandela's arrival in the changeroom had been kept a state secret. Only security chief Rory Steyn knew. Even Doc Luyt had been kept mostly in the dark. Dressed in a Springbok cap and jersey with Pienaar's number six on the back, Madiba moved along the line, greeting every person. He paused to speak Afrikaans to a ball boy. His security detail urged him on, but Mandela took his time. He told the players not to win for him, or for themselves, but for their country. Pienaar followed with his own words about unity and opportunity. 'There was no way we could lose that day,' Schlemmer remembers. Small listened to UB40 on his Walkman. Mulder cracked nervous jokes. Pienaar bounced on his toes like a coiled spring. Transvaal tjommies – James Small and Schlemmer (Pic: Supplied) Robbie Schlemmer squeezed into a corner of the press box to watch the game. His nerves were frayed, but his belief never wavered. At half-time, he made sure the sandwiches were ready. After full-time, the Heinekens. The All Blacks, more reserved, asked for tea. Pandemonium followed the final whistle. Reporters, photographers, hangers-on poured into the changeroom. Schlemmer looked on with quiet pride. He later drank beer from the Webb Ellis Cup, part celebration, part tribute to the Transvaal core who had become world champions. When the Boks left for Gallagher Estate and the official dinner, Schlemmer stayed behind to clean up. In the All Blacks changeroom next door, he heard guitars: Josh Kronfeld and Zinzan Brooke strumming Maori songs, their defeat worn lightly. Schlemmer stayed on until 2003, working with the SA U20s who won their own title under Jake White. Players like Fourie du Preez, Jean de Villiers, Clyde Rathbone and the late Swys Swart passed through his care. And then it ended. The work dried up without explanation. Today, at 61, he works as a rep for a liquor company. He still loves his rugby – from a distance now – and has found new passion in boxing and MMA. Yesterday marked 30 years since that extraordinary afternoon. There was no private celebration. For Robbie Schlemmer, being there was enough. He doesn't need medals or headlines. He helped hold together the team behind the team, one checklist, one pair of polished boots, one quiet presence at a time. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
