In this Fireside Chat at the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore, Haider Rafique, CMO of OKX, sits down with Daniel Ricciardo, Formula One driver, and Scotty James, professional snowboarder and four-time Olympian, to discuss their involvement in the web 3 space and the future of fan engagement. The conversation touches on topics such as the importance of perseverance through highs and lows, the accessibility of athletes through social media, the impact of web 3 on fan connections, and the potential for AI-driven drivers in simulation racing.

Perseverance and Learning from Highs and Lows:

• Daniel shares his experience of facing uncertainty in his career and emphasizes the importance of holding on to perspective and understanding the reasons for pursuing one’s passion.
• Scotty highlights the long-term mindset required in both sports and investments, comparing the need for a North Star goal in sports with the patience and foresight necessary in the crypto market.

Web 3 and Fan Connections:

• The accessibility of athletes through social media has allowed fans to get to know them on a more personal level, beyond just their performance in their respective sports.
• Web 3 technologies, such as NFTs, have the potential to further enhance fan engagement by providing fans with unique digital collectibles and experiences.

Web 3 and Authenticity:

• Scotty discusses his interest in NFTs as a way to authentically represent himself in the art world, drawing parallels between his profession as a snowboarder and the creative expression involved in the creation of NFTs.
• The ability to create and trade NFTs allows athletes to bridge the gap between their sports careers and the art world, offering fans a closer connection to their favorite athletes.

AI in Sim Racing:

• Sim racing has become an integral part of motorsports training, allowing drivers to virtually experience and learn new tracks before they race on them in real life.
• While AI assistance in sim racing could help with performance, some of the excitement comes from the challenges and unpredictability of human competition.

Speakers