HyperNest Podcast is a monthly series where we meet Web3 founders, industry leaders, and blockchain experts to discuss various topics in the web3 space.

What happens when blockchain steps off the whiteboard and into a stadium packed with 90,000 roaring fans? In this episode of the HyperNest podcast, we dive into the playbook of Chiliz Chain, the Layer-1 blockchain transforming how sports fans engage with their favorite teams. From fan voting to tokenized VIP access, Chiliz is turning real-world passion into programmable, on-chain participation.

Our guest, Altuğ Öztürk, a Senior Advisor at Chiliz and a true football-business-crypto hybrid, joins us to unpack how this ecosystem is redefining fan engagement, builder opportunities, and the broader Web3 landscape.

Inside the Chiliz Gameplan: Big Plays from the Podcast

1. Fan Tokens in Action: Turning Cheers into Chain Commands

Chiliz’s unique edge lies in Fan Tokens, which enable fans to influence club decisions—from jersey numbers to in-stadium goal celebration songs. These tokens go beyond speculative assets by embedding real-world utility, governance rights, and staking-based reward systems.

Standout Use Cases:

– Fans chose Juventus’ goal song, which played during a Ronaldo hat-trick.
– Galatasaray fans picked a player’s jersey number.
– Apollo Limassol fans decided on team formations—and the team won 6–0.

2. L1 with EVM Compatibility → Under the Hood: Familiar Tech, Fan-First Performance

Technically, Chiliz Chain is a fork of BNB Smart Chain, offering:

– Full EVM support
– Familiar Solidity-based tooling
– Fast block times and low fees
– Ethereum-style burn mechanics on gas fees

Builders can start fast using existing tools like ThirdWeb, Tatum, and Replit, supported by comprehensive docs and an active dev community.

Built Different: Why Chiliz Isn’t Just Another Chain

– Real IP Access: Developers can build on top of token ecosystems from world-renowned clubs (e.g., FC Barcelona, PSG, Juventus).
– Whitelisted Deployments: Protects IP and prevents counterfeit assets, giving clubs peace of mind.
– Validator Trust Model: Nodes include recognizable institutions, enhancing trust in governance.
– High User Activity: Over 2 million wallets, thousands of daily transactions.

From Hype to Heart: A Builder’s Vision for Real-World Web3

Altug believes that real-world experience, not just assets, is the bridge to mass adoption. Chiliz is uniquely positioned to onboard millions of sports fans to blockchain by making their fandom interactive, rewarding, and secure. His view: blockchain adoption will come not through over-engineered DeFi, but through relatable and emotional touchpoints like sports and entertainment.

“Everyone talks about onboarding the next billion users. We say: let’s start by converting 3% of football fans. That alone will 10x on-chain users.”

The Next Season: What’s Coming to the Chiliz Ecosystem

– Launch Greenhouse to fund 10+ projects in the next 12 months.
– Support 5–6 standout startups through the HyperNest Bootcamp.
– Expand deeper into US markets post-regulatory clarity.
– Pursue NFT ticketing, fan identity, and loyalty dApps based on real club needs.
– Offer trial access to no-code/low-code AI tools like Replit for quick prototyping.

Get on the Field: Opportunities for Devs, Creators, and Tinkerers

– Join the Hackathon in Paris.
– Explore the Greenhouse for microgrants and project bounties.
– Build fast, test fast: Altug encourages developers to launch MVPs quickly and gather feedback from real fans.
– Use familiar tooling and reach out for ecosystem support via Telegram, Discord, and documentation.

“Don’t aim for perfection. Build dirty, test fast, get real feedback. If it fails, pivot. That’s the founder’s journey.”

Why Builders Should Be Watching Chiliz Closely

1. Web3 Needs a Win: Chiliz Could Be the Playbook

Chiliz is more than another chain—it’s an ecosystem with preloaded distribution, brand partnerships, and a clear vertical focus. For developers tired of chasing abstract traction on general-purpose chains, Chiliz offers something rare: a ready-made, active user base with real-world emotional investment.

By leveraging massive IP, sports loyalty, and battle-tested infrastructure, Chiliz is a blueprint for the “next wave” of blockchain adoption—anchored not in ideology, but in human-centric design and tangible value.

2. Zooming Out: What Chiliz Signals About the Future of Specialized Chains

– The verticalization of L1s is real: Chains like Chiliz, Render (for GPUs), and Akash (for compute) are showing that specialization wins.
– Builder-first culture is essential: Greenhouse + HyperNest = a mature funnel from idea → MVP → funding.
– AI-enabled dev tools will democratize who gets to build in Web3.

Quote Spotlights

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We forked a solid chain, added a focused ecosystem, and offered real utility.”

“Fan tokens aren’t speculative toys. They’re programmable tools for real-world engagement.”

“Most founders fear launching. Don’t. Build something dirty and get real data. That’s the only way to succeed.”

This episode only scratches the surface of how Chiliz is reinventing fan engagement and laying the groundwork for the next generation of Web3 builders. If you’re curious to learn more about their journey, tech, and upcoming initiatives, don’t miss the full conversation.

Learn more about Chiliz:
🌐 Website: chiliz.com 🌱 Greenhouse Program: greenhouse.chiliz.com ⚽ Hackathon Info: chiliz.com/hacking-paris

Want the Full Play-by-Play?

To catch the full energy, behind-the-scenes insights, and Altug’s unfiltered thoughts, you can listen to or watch the complete podcast episode.

▶️ Watch the full episode above
🎙️ Or find us on Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-p3tjh-18b200e