Writing Is Training the Gaze: How Ben Lars Schlitz Reads Sports Matches as if They Were Novels

If you’ve ever followed sports, finance, or online wagering trends, the chances are high that the name Ben Lars -Schlitz might ring a few bells. Ben has indeed come a long way from his rather humble beginnings in Stuttgart, Germany. Some call him a polymath. Others classify him as a writer, a sports journalist, and even a sports-driven philosopher.

Whether referring to the latest wagering odds, developments within the FinTech sector, or cryptocurrency trading, Mr. Schlitz seems to have it all. Let’s take a look at why Ben Lars -Schlitz is far more than an average commentator.

Who Is Ben Lars Schlitz?

Question 1: So, Ben, who’s the person behind the name?

I’m simply a German who happens to be passionate about sports, finance, and financial technology. I suppose that one of my unique traits is that I’ve found a way to bridge the gap between these disciplines so that I can place a twist on traditional journalistic approaches.

Question 2: That’s quite a striking combination. Can you point out exactly when this passion began?

During my studies at the University of Mannheim, I was always interested in the synergy of sports, money, and technology. After university, I started writing for sports magazines, and quickly saw the rising potential of online wagering platforms and cryptocurrencies.

Question 3: Can you give us an example of how you “read” a typical sports match?

Let’s imagine that the LA Lakers are set to face-off with the Boston Celtics. I’ll look at far more than the latest fixtures. Other information such as the health of players, where the competition is taking place, and even the weather can be used to more accurately predict the outcome.

Question 4: So, would you still consider yourself a journalist at heart?

Absolutely. Reporting on sports such as the NBA is my primary passion. I consider the other methodologies nothing more than icing on the proverbial cake.

FinTech and Crypto

Question 5: Where did your interest in the FinTech sector come from?

I’m actually planning to include this within my professional networking pages, and here’s a quick summary on the fintech sector. It all began with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin back in the late 2000s. I was intrigued by how crypto opened up an entirely new world for newbie investors, and how digital currencies started to represent the “next big thing” in the world of DeFi.

Question 6: Considering the sheer amount of information available online, how do you keep ahead of the curve?

Reading, reading, research, and more reading. From white papers and blog posts to the latest financial news, and sports wagering observations, I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power.

Question 7: Online wagering or crypto?

It’s tough to know which one to put my money on. While online investing offers plenty of opportunities, cryptocurrencies have shown an amazing amount of growth. At the end of the day, I suppose that it’s all in the eye of the beholder.

Life Behind the Scenes

Question 8: Would you be kind enough to describe your typical day?

There’s really no such thing as “typical” for me. Sometimes I’m researching a new crypto project, other times I’m writing articles, or analyzing wagering algorithms. I normally spend my evenings following the latest basketball news; especially if I’m planning to cover an upcoming event.

Question 9: Can you briefly tell us about one of your most memorable professional experiences?

I have to say that one amazing moment was when I met Michael Jordan at a Las Vegas casino. Not only did he recognize my name, but we spent a full 20 minutes talking about the state of the NBA.

Question 10: Speaking of Michael Jordan, do you think that more online casinos will opt for celebrity sponsorships?

This might be the only way forward. As competition increases, brands will need to attract an entirely new breed of audience.

On Strategy and Intuition

Question 11: OK, back to a bit of intuition. What makes you so good at predicting the outcomes of sports events?

There’s really no “one-size-fits-all” strategy. The aim is to collate data, to keep track of late-breaking news, and most importantly, to interpret this information so that it can be understood by the average listener.

Question 12: Do you believe in the concept of a “sure thing” when wagering?

This is a dangerous fallacy, and I’ve been wrong plenty of times. The main intention is to minimise the number of incorrect predictions, and it truly is an ever-evolving learning curve.

Question 13: You’ve often described your process similar to reading a novel. Can you elaborate?

I don’t simply look at the hard data. I address the social side of sports, and other aspects such as public sentiment. This often enables me to see the “big picture” that’s lost on other analysts.

The Role of Technology and Media

Question 14: In terms of data, what role do you think that AI will play in the future?

Artificial intelligence is a great tool, but it hardly replaces human instinct. I’ve already dabbled with certain programs, and considering their current state, I’m hard-pressed to believe that AI will one day trump good-old organic knowledge.

Question 15: Do you ever take social media into account when predicting matches?

I do believe that social media can sometimes have an influence on competitions; especially if certain posts happen to “rattle” players before the game. This is why I use my feed on X as a way to follow the latest news.

Looking Ahead

Question 16: Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences?

(Laughing) I was only born in 1971. I think that a few more years will need to pass before I begin writing my autobiography. I’ll leave it to the pros until then.

Question 17: Do you think that anyone can develop your unique talents?

I believe that anyone who’s enthusiastic about sports can follow my path. However, I should also point out that analytics can be a challenging field. Patience is a virtue in this sense.

Question 18: Is there anything that you wished you could’ve done different?

I don’t have any real regrets. However, I think that I would’ve gotten involved with crypto wagering at an earlier stage if I could roll the clocks back.

Question 19: What advice would you give young people hoping to become future sports commentators?

Be patient, stay disciplined, and always follow your passion. Whether you’re a fan of the NBA; the NHL, or European football, there are plenty of opportunities awaiting.

Question 20: What does the future of Ben Lars Schlitz have in store?

In all honesty, I’m hoping for more of the same. I’m having a blast at the moment, and (fingers crossed) I have a feeling that the future will be just as fun.