Dexsport marks the world cup with a $100,000 challenge and free pick’em contest

The expanded 48-team World Cup format has delivered exactly what FIFA hoped for: unpredictability. Several traditional favourites have already dropped points against lower-ranked opponents, while emerging football nations have shown they belong on the sport’s biggest stage.

For bettors, that unpredictability creates both opportunities and challenges. Global betting volumes around the tournament are expected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars, with some industry estimates placing the figure well above $150 billion. The final alone is projected to generate more than $5 billion in wagers.

Against this backdrop, Dexsport, a Web3 betting platform that has been operating since 2022, has introduced two promotions built around the tournament: the $100,000 World Cup Challenge and the FIFA World Cup Pick’em contest.

A look back: Why Web3 betting is gaining traction

We previously explored how Web3 betting platforms are attracting users who have grown frustrated with some of the limitations of traditional sportsbooks. The core appeal remains largely the same: no mandatory KYC, wallet-based authentication, and a non-custodial approach that keeps funds under user control until settlement.

For World Cup bettors, that often translates into faster withdrawals, direct wallet access, and greater flexibility when managing funds during a busy tournament schedule.

Research from Paysafe helps explain why those factors matter. According to a January 2026 study, 60% of global fans planned to place online bets during the World Cup, with 19% doing so for the first time. In the United States, nearly three in ten bettors were expected to be newcomers. Payout speed ranked just behind brand trust as a deciding factor when choosing a sportsbook, while a large majority of respondents said they would consider switching platforms after a poor payment experience.

For a growing segment of users, Web3 sportsbooks offer a level of convenience and control that traditional operators can struggle to maintain during periods of peak demand.

Dexsport’s world cup promotions: $100,000 challenge and free pick’em

To coincide with the tournament, Dexsport has launched two promotions aimed at different types of football fans.

The World Cup $100,000 Challenge is a leaderboard competition in which qualifying bets contribute to a participant’s ranking. A total of $100,000 in free bets will be distributed among the top 50 finishers, with larger rewards allocated to the highest-ranked participants.

Alongside it sits the FIFA World Cup Pick’em contest, a free-to-enter prediction competition covering the entire tournament. Participants earn points by correctly forecasting selected match outcomes, while the top 100 performers share a separate $10,000 free bet prize pool. Participation is free, making it appealing to fans who want to test their football knowledge without committing to regular betting activity.

Both promotions sit alongside Dexsport’s broader World Cup offering. The platform supports more than 40 cryptocurrencies across 20 networks and provides over 100 markets for major football matches, including live in-play options. A cash-out feature allows users to settle positions before full time, while a weekly cash-back programme returns up to 15% on net losses without wagering requirements.

From group stage to the final

The World Cup is a marathon rather than a sprint. With 104 matches spread across several weeks, the choice of platform can become almost as important as the choice of bet. Traditional sportsbooks offer familiarity but often come with additional verification requirements and slower withdrawal processes. Web3 platforms such as Dexsport present a different proposition: less friction, more direct control over funds, and faster access to winnings.

Beyond its World Cup promotions, Dexsport has remained active on the business side as well. The company recently listed its native token, DESU, on cryptocurrency exchange MEXC and announced a partnership with OG Esports, whose Counter-Strike roster now competes under the OG.Dexsport name.

As the tournament moves toward its decisive stages, attention will inevitably return to the football itself — the surprise results, breakout stars, and storylines that emerge every four years. Platforms and promotions may shape how fans engage with the competition, but the World Cup has always been defined by what happens on the pitch. Football is the main event. The betting infrastructure should simply stay out of the way.