How Many People Play BOTB? Odds of Winning Explained

Ever find yourself curious about just how many people are drawn to BOTB each week? It’s a name that keeps coming up—one tied to high-end prizes and a unique approach that sets it apart from typical competitions.

But beyond the surface appeal lies something more: a layered system, a growing community, and a set of odds shaped by more than just numbers.

In this post, we’ll look at what really drives participation, how outcomes are decided, and what influences your chances if you choose to get involved. The number of entries is just the beginning.

Read on to learn more.

What Is BOTB?

Best of the Best (BOTB) is a UK-based competition that gives entrants the opportunity to win high-value prizes, including cars, holidays, and premium watches.

It began in 1999 as a small venture found in airports. Travellers could enter while waiting for their flights, giving the competition an early, transient audience. Over time, it moved online, becoming more accessible and drawing a wider community of entrants.

One of the key competitions offered is called Spot the Ball. It involves looking at a photograph taken during a football match, but with the ball digitally removed. Participants are asked to mark where they believe the centre of the ball should be.

This mechanic adds a layer of interaction and judgement, and the result isn’t just randomly chosen. Instead, a panel of expert referees carefully evaluates each entry to determine the most accurate placement. The entry closest to the final judged position is announced as the winner.

These competitions run weekly, meaning there’s a regular schedule for those interested in taking part, whether for the first time or repeatedly.

How Many People Play BOTB Each Week?

Each week, BOTB sees a large number of entries. While the exact figure isn’t publicly confirmed, it’s safe to say that thousands take part on a weekly basis.

This volume isn’t surprising, given the range of prizes on offer. From supercars to holidays, the appeal cuts across many demographics. The shift from airport kiosks to a full digital platform also played a major role, allowing people to enter from home, from anywhere in the UK.

It’s worth noting that while many join in each week, not everyone enters with the same approach. Some choose to submit a single guess, while others may enter multiple times—something we’ll explore more shortly.

If you’re considering getting involved, knowing the scale of participation gives some early insight. It shows just how widespread the interest in BOTB really is.

What Are The Odds of Winning BOTB?

The number of people entering each week does more than show the game’s popularity—it also directly shapes your chances.

Because entries are judged based on skill, not drawn at random, your odds are tied to how accurately you can pinpoint the ball’s likely position. That said, the more entries submitted in total, the more precise your guess will need to be in order to win.

Some participants choose to submit more than one guess—BOTB allows you to purchase additional entries. Doing so increases the number of chances you have to land closest to the panel’s final decision.

But this also comes with additional cost. The balance between submitting more entries and sticking to what you’re comfortable with is something to keep in mind.

Participation levels change from week to week, and with them, so too does the likelihood of any single entry coming out on top. This is worth considering if you’re deciding how much to engage.

How Does BOTB Select Winners?

Once entries close for the week, BOTB begins its judging process—a method designed to be both transparent and credible.

A panel made up of professional referees and footballers reviews the week’s photograph. Each judge independently selects the spot they believe marks the centre of the ball. Once all individual positions are placed, an average of these is used to create the winning point.

This process places emphasis on decision-making and observation, distinguishing BOTB from competitions that rely purely on chance.

To ensure accuracy, the judging is regularly reviewed by an external party. This added step confirms that the results are calculated and awarded fairly. The combination of football expertise and oversight helps build trust among those who choose to take part.

Is BOTB Worth It?

Whether BOTB is a good fit depends on what you’re looking for in a competition. If you enjoy puzzles, observation games, or photo analysis, the Spot the Ball format may offer an enjoyable challenge.

The structure is designed around engagement and skill, but it’s important to know your own boundaries. Consider your budget before entering and think about how often you’d want to play. If you’re viewing it as a way to test your judgement and as a bit of entertainment, it might be an enjoyable experience.

If you choose to play BOTB, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager more than you are willing to lose.

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.