Racing is so back.
Season 18 started with a brand-new schedule, tools, and features. With a week in the books, we can confidently say those changes have taken hold and improved the racing ecosystem.
Let’s review the week that was and prepare for a week that we hope will continue the momentum we’ve seen.
Week 1: Racing Revitalized
Racing is the new meta, and the recent improved racing schedule has only hardened that fact.
The Season 18 schedule adjustments led to 5,000 paid races in Week 1, with race fullness increases of over 40 percent over the week compared to previous seasons.
With Major Race Series qualifier points on the line all week, we’re sure that Week 2 will ride the wave we saw this week. Buckle up.
YSM on Winning Back-to-Back VKDs
It’s an honor so nice; they did it twice.
YSM Racing secured their second consecutive Virtual Kentucky Derby title when Thistlecrack emerged victorious in the Season 17 VKD.
We caught up with YSM’s Peeb to chat about the back-to-back victories and discovered his crew just so happened to be watching the big race together on the eve of an even bigger occasion — his stablemate Jim’s wedding.
Click here to read the entire blog.
Track Sponsorship is Here
The portal is open!
The addition of our track sponsorship portal means that not only is every season meme season, but anyone and everyone with a Solana-based token in their pocket and a willingness to reach the greatest community in crypto gaming can now do so simply by applying directly to our track owners.
We’re pleased to announce that in the coming days, $YES and $DUST have committed to running campaigns in which both teams will sprinkle some added purse prizes on select PFL tracks. Expect more information on these events to follow in the coming days.
As we’ve always said, this game will reach its “fully evolved” form when racing becomes as EV+ as humanly possible. This is just a new and inventive way we plan to make that happen for years.
Click here to read more about track sponsorship.
PFL Coming to Breakpoint ‘Gaming Village’
Plans for Photo Finish™ to be featured during Solana Breakpoint in Singapore from September 19-21 are coming into focus, and we’re happy to announce that PFL will be featured in the venue’s exclusive Gaming Village area.
For those attending Breakpoint, the Gaming Village will be located on Level 4, not far from the main stage.
We’re also excited to share that longtime community member Lady Wasabi has kindly agreed to help represent Photo Finish™ during the entire Breakpoint weekend, including as an official team member at the venue on September 20 and 21. If you plan to be in Singapore for Breakpoint, stop by to say hi!
Photo Finish™ has much more planned for Breakpoint, but we’re excited to have secured a prime spot where we’ll be about to connect with attendees IRL!
New Content Schedule
An announcement of an announcement: A new content schedule highlighting all the action leading up to Championship Week is coming soon.
Expect fresh new content from our current crop of community content creators, some mix-and-match crossover shows, and, soon, some fresh faces who are willing to give streaming virtual horse racing a try.
As has been the case for years, Mo Knowz will remain the centerpiece of it all. Stay tuned for a full schedule update.
Click here for a detailed ICYMI of all the changes in Season 18.
Speaking of content, below is a highlight of what’s to come from the community this week. After a brief hiatus due to IRL obligations, MJ Gaming is nearing his triumphant return with more tools, info, and guests to come.
Monday Mayhem
Hosted by Doughboy, Monday Mayhem kicks off the racing week with a slate of juiced-up races that offer a chance to build a $DERBY bankroll.
Click here to watch Doughboy’s Monday Mayhem stream.
Trackside Tuesday
Hosted by Troy from High Octaning, Trackside Tuesday is your chance to gauge the talents of every horse in your stable at an affordable price.
Click here to watch High Octane’s Trackside Tuesday stream.
Tuesday After Dark
Hosted by Doughboy, the Tuesday night version of After Dark brings a deep slate of races featuring the juiciest horse pick pools of the week.
Click here to watch Doughboy’s After Dark stream.
Making the Grade Wednesdays
If you’re a big fan of Graded Stakes races, Making the Grade Wednesday is the place to be.
Click here to browse Making the Grade races.
Finishline Friday
Troy and High Octane Racing return for another stream every Friday afternoon.
Click here to watch High Octane’s Finishline Friday stream.