Question: Ben, how did you start in sports journalism?
BLS. It was during my time at the University of Mannheim. There, I had the chance to cover some local matches as part of my studies. I quickly realized each game had its own story to tell, and that hooked me right away.
Q: Why do you think it’s important to study sports?
BLS. Sports reflect society in all its nuances: values, conflicts, identities, aspirations… in the end, you see clubs deeply rooted culturally, not only within their countries, but in smaller regions: the Athletic Club with the Basque Country is a good example. Or even political ideologies, like St. Pauli in Germany. Thus, it shows sports aren’t just games; they’re ultimately a window into collective culture.
Q: How would you define the importance of sports in today’s society?
BLS. Studying sports is also understanding society. Sports reveal our values, prejudices, and collective aspirations; they place the community in front of a mirror.
Q: What’s your favorite sport?
BLS. As you can imagine beforehand, as I’m German, football. In my country, it’s a fundamental part of our national culture. The Mannschaft is almost a point of pride for us.
Q: A historical player you particularly admire?
BLS. Franz Beckenbauer. What he achieved both on and off the pitch was incredible. He also proved himself as a true leader, both in the national team and at Bayern München, and reinvented himself within the sports world.
Q: What’s your opinion on technology used in sports, like VAR?
BLS. It’s a necessary evil, but its integration needs improvement. It causes too many significant interruptions with its implementation, affecting the flow of the game.
Q: You’ve written extensively about sports betting. Do bets harm or benefit sports?
BLS. It’s difficult. I can understand why many people dislike it. However, properly regulated, it can strengthen interest in sports. Regulation is indeed necessary; without it, betting can affect the essence of sports.
Q: Which sport surprised you the most in your research?
BLS. Sumo! It has a deep and complex culture behind it, something I never would have guessed.
Q: What do you consider your greatest professional achievement so far?
BLS. My book on how fintech is transforming sports dynamics. It allowed me to delve into a topic less explored than it should be.
Q: How was your adaptation process for writing in English as a native German?
BLS. Fortunately, English is very well taught in Germany. The initial steps were a bit more difficult than I’d like to admit, especially because, back then, I was constantly translating from German to English, but nowadays it’s almost natural.
Q: Any funny anecdotes from your journalism years?
BLS. I once got locked inside a stadium while interviewing a footballer during my university days. I don’t recall his name now, but we had to call security. We couldn’t get out!
Q: What’s your usual workday like?
BLS. I love early mornings. At six o’clock, I’m up with a strong coffee and several hours focused on writing. I prepare for the interviews I’ll have at midday and afternoon and try to read as much as I can to stay updated.
Q: What led you to investigate fintech?
BLS. I found it interesting how it was changing the way fans interact with their favorite sports, especially in terms of betting and financial management.
Q: What new project are you currently working on?
BLS. I’m researching how cryptocurrencies and blockchain are changing the sports ecosystem. These technologies have deeper implications for sports than one might initially think.
Q: What have you learned from sports that you apply to your daily life?
BLS. It’s a very tattoo-worthy phrase, but… “losing isn’t failing.” It’s a sports philosophy I now apply to my life.
Q: Did you have any mentor who particularly influenced your career?
BLS. Yes, a professor in Heidelberg who taught me the importance of exploring the social and cultural context when investigating a topic.
Q: Is there any sport you haven’t written about yet but would like to?
BLS. I’ve never watched much professional cycling. It’s a complex sport with many mechanical and physical implications, much more strategic than it initially appears… but if you ask me more detailed questions, I get lost.
Q: American or European sports?
BLS. BLS. European sports and competitions are more interesting in my opinion, basketball is the exception to the rule. The NBA, with their 30 teams and their huge 15-player roster, opens a lot of opportunities that you can’t see in the European leagues and continental competitions.
Q: Do you prefer researching or writing?
BLS. Watching! (laughs). Seriously, researching is somewhat different; it helps you continuously learn, something journalists generally appreciate, even us “second-tier journalists,” as many refer to sports specialists.
Q: What advice would you give to those wanting to start in sports journalism?
BLS. It’s a challenging world, and sometimes you’ll need a mentor to help you advance. However, if you maintain curiosity and don’t limit yourself to results but can find human stories behind each event, your chances of success are good.
