1v1Me
Live esports staking platform for wagering on daily 1v1 pro gamer matches in Madden, NBA 2K, Call of Duty.
Website: https://www.1v1me.com
PUBLIC
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | 1v1Me |
| Tagline | Live esports staking platform for wagering on daily 1v1 pro gamer matches in Madden, NBA 2K, Call of Duty. [1v1me.com] |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States [Tubefilter, March 2021] |
| Founded | 2020 [Tubefilter, March 2021] |
| Stage | Series A [Crunchbase] |
| Business Model | Marketplace |
| Industry | Media / Entertainment |
| Technology | Software (Non-AI) |
| Geography | North America |
| Growth Profile | Venture Scale |
| Founding Team | Co-Founders (2) [Tubefilter, March 2021] |
| Funding Label | Series A (total disclosed ~$4,100,000) [Crunchbase] |
Links
PUBLIC
- Website: https://www.1v1me.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1v1me
- App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1v1me-esports-staking/id1522405338
Executive Summary
PUBLIC
1v1Me operates a live esports staking platform. The business attempts to thread the needle between gaming engagement and real-money wagering by focusing on peer-to-peer matches between professional gamers [TechCrunch, March 2021].
The core proposition lets users wager on daily 1v1 contests in popular titles like Call of Duty and Madden. This creates a marketplace where gamers can monetize skill and fans can back their favorites [Tubefilter, March 2021].
Founded in New York City in 2020 by Anthony Geranio and Alex Emmanuel, the company launched with an invite-only iPhone app. It initially supported Call of Duty and Fortnite in a controlled environment that included content creators [Business Insider, March 2021].
The founders, both first-time entrepreneurs, have raised approximately $4.1 million in total capital. This includes a $2 million seed round led by Sterling VC in early 2021 [Tracxn].
The business model is structured as a marketplace. It takes a commission on stakes rather than charging entry fees. This positions it against traditional sportsbooks [F6S].
Over the next 12-18 months, critical watchpoints include verification of user traction claims. Resolution of contradictory state availability statements matters too. Material developments in the regulatory landscape for real-money gaming in the United States will shape the path.
Data Accuracy: YELLOW -- Core founding and funding facts are confirmed by multiple sources, but key traction and operational claims lack independent verification.
Taxonomy Snapshot
| Axis | Classification |
|---|---|
| Stage | Series A |
| Business Model | Marketplace |
| Industry / Vertical | Media / Entertainment |
| Technology Type | Software (Non-AI) |
| Geography | North America |
| Growth Profile | Venture Scale |
| Founding Team | Co-Founders (2) |
| Funding | Series A (total disclosed ~$4,100,000) |
Company Overview
PUBLIC
1v1Me was founded in New York City in 2020 by Anthony Geranio and Alex Emmanuel [Tubefilter, March 2021].
The public narrative positions it as a platform for gamers to monetize skills. Fans engage with esports through wagering. Geranio described the vision in early interviews as a way to "remold esports betting and streaming into accessible, empowering daily events" [F6S].
The initial product launch was an invite-only iPhone app supporting Call of Duty and Fortnite. Business Insider covered this in March 2021 [Business Insider, March 2021].
The first significant external milestone was a $2 million seed round in March 2021. Sterling VC led it [Tracxn].
This funding came alongside the app launch. It represents the only dated financial milestone in public records.
Since then, the company states it has raised $4.1 million total, including a Series A. Details, dates, and lead investors for the subsequent round lack public disclosure [Crunchbase].
A key operational claim is legal availability to users 18 and over in all 50 US states [F4 Fund]. The App Store listing contradicts this. It states "1v1Me is not available in all 50 states" [App Store].
This discrepancy marks a point of friction in the public profile.
Data Accuracy: YELLOW -- Founding details and seed round confirmed by multiple sources. Subsequent funding total and state availability claim lack independent verification and are contradicted by App Store.
Product and Technology
MIXED The core product is an iOS application. It facilitates peer-to-peer wagering on live, one-on-one esports matches.
The initial launch in March 2021 was invite-only. It focused on titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite. It featured content creators such as NoisyButters [Business Insider, March 2021].
The platform has expanded to Madden, NBA 2K, and FC [Dealroom].
Company materials describe a marketplace model around fee-free cash matches. This serves as the primary wedge for user acquisition [F6S].
Monetization comes from a commission on stakes. The specific rate stays undisclosed.
Key features include AI-powered anti-cheat systems, live chat, and "fast payouts" [Dealroom]. A partner program for professional gamers offers branding and exclusive events [Dealroom].
Geographic availability shows a discrepancy. Company channels claim legal operation in all 50 US states [Dealroom]. The App Store states, "1v1Me is not available in all 50 states" [App Store].
This contradiction matters for product and regulatory analysis.
Data Accuracy: YELLOW -- Product claims are sourced from company materials and a single 2021 press article; the App Store contradiction is a direct, verifiable observation.
Market Research and Opportunity
PUBLIC The core bet for 1v1Me targets the intersection of esports fandom and casual wagering. This represents a shift in entertainment spending. Venture capital has backed the thesis, though independent research leaves it unquantified.
Third-party market sizing for peer-to-peer micro-staking on esports matches lacks availability in cited sources.
The company sits within broader esports betting and gaming content markets. The global esports betting market hit $14 billion in 2021. It was projected to exceed $23 billion by 2027, per a Business Insider-cited report [Business Insider, March 2021].
This suggests substantial tailwinds. Yet 1v1Me's direct market focuses on U.S. users wagering on 1v1 console matches like Madden and Call of Duty.
Demand drivers appear in adjacent sectors. Gaming professionalization and streaming have built fans who support creators financially.
The fee-free peer-to-peer wedge lowers barriers versus sportsbooks [F6S, Unknown]. In-game purchases and skins betting show comfort with transactions. 1v1Me redirects this to regulated cash wagers.
Adjacent markets include sports betting, fantasy esports, and creator monetization via tips.
Regulation stands as the main macro force. Company claims cover all 50 states [Dealroom, Unknown]. The App Store contradicts this [App Store, Unknown].
Betting on skill-based games varies by state. This creates compliance constraints on scaling.
Data Accuracy: YELLOW -- Market sizing is inferred from adjacent sector reports; company-specific claims about market access are contradicted by a primary source.
Opportunity
PUBLIC
The prize for 1v1Me lies in becoming the primary financial and social layer for competitive console gaming in the United States. This holds multi-billion dollar potential if regulatory and execution challenges clear.
The headline opportunity centers on the first legal, nationwide platform for peer-to-peer wagering on pro esports matches. The fee-free cash match model connects fans and gamers directly. If proven and scaled, it could define interactive entertainment.
Evidence of reachability includes company-reported traction: over 300,000 users and a 4.8+ rating from 5,000 reviews [Bounce Watch]. These lack third-party verification. Still, they hint at product-market fit as a base for market capture if legal and operational frames hold.
Two or three growth scenarios, each named
| Scenario | What happens | Catalyst | Why it's plausible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Standard Bearer | 1v1Me becomes the licensed, go-to platform for state-by-state legalization of esports wagering, similar to DraftKings for sports betting. | A partnership with a major gaming publisher or league (e.g., Activision, NBA 2K League) to offer officially sanctioned matches. | The company claims to operate legally in all 50 states [Crunchbase], and the broader trend of sports betting legalization provides a regulatory roadmap. |
| Creator Economy Platform | The platform evolves beyond wagering into a full-stack monetization tool for pro gamers and streamers, capturing a share of sponsorship, subscriptions, and content rights. | Launch of an expanded "partner program" offering integrated streaming tools and brand deal facilitation, as hinted at in company materials [Dealroom]. | The initial model is built on empowering gamers to monetize skill [F6S]; deepening that relationship is a logical expansion of the core value proposition. |
What compounding looks like
The flywheel proves straightforward but powerful. More users draw professional gamers to monetize audiences.
A larger pro pool lifts match quality and engagement. This pulls more fans and stakes.
Transactions generate data to refine matchmaking and anti-cheat. The company cites an "AI anti-cheat" system [Dealroom].
If effective, better experience spurs activity. This funds improvements in a reinforcing loop.
The size of the win
A comparable is online sports betting. DraftKings holds a $15 billion market cap [Nasdaq, April 2025].
1v1Me targets narrower esports. Its daily matches and gaming integration could yield premium engagement.
In the "Regulatory Standard Bearer" scenario, a low single-digit billion valuation proves plausible (scenario, not forecast).
This offers a multiple on early-stage funding.
Data Accuracy: YELLOW -- Opportunity framing relies on company-reported metrics and market analogs; specific regulatory or partnership catalysts are not yet confirmed by independent sources.
Sources
PUBLIC
[1v1me.com] 1v1Me | https://www.1v1me.com
[Tubefilter, March 2021] Startup 1v1Me Raises $2 Million To Add Wagering Component To Games Like ‘Call Of Duty’, ‘Fortnite’ | https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/03/15/1v1me-raises-2-million-wagering-component-online-gaming/
[TechCrunch, March 2021] With 1v1Me, anyone can gamble on their ability to crush an opponent in player vs. player games | https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/15/with-1v1me-anyone-can-gamble-on-their-ability-to-crush-an-opponent-in-player-vs-player-games/
[Business Insider, March 2021] A new invite-only iPhone app lets people gamble real money on matches of 'Call of Duty' and 'Fortnite' | https://www.businessinsider.com/1v1me-betting-app-call-of-duty-warzone-fortnite-video-games-2021-3
[Tracxn] 1v1Me - 2025 Funding Rounds & List of Investors - Tracxn | https://tracxn.com/d/companies/1v1me/__WE7QZx8b400NJofmUkT_sYOegA3wltWac4T8Rf4WUoY/funding-and-investors
[Crunchbase] 1v1Me - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding | https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/1v1me
[F6S] 1v1Me | https://www.f6s.com/company/1v1me
[App Store] 1v1Me - Esports Staking App - App Store | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/1v1me-esports-staking/id1522405338
[Dealroom] 1v1Me | https://app.dealroom.co/companies/1v1me
[F4 Fund] 1v1Me | https://f4.fund/startups/1v1me
Articles about 1v1Me
- 1v1Me Bets $200 Million in Payouts on the Daily Esports Wager — The New York startup is turning pro Madden and Call of Duty matches into a fee-free cash marketplace, backed by a $4.1 million Series A.