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Competitive Sociailsing

From Reality TV to Reality-Shaping Business Ventures

How Two Big Brother Contestants Turned a Reality TV Audition Gone Wrong into a Competitive Socialising Global Empire


Ever wondered how a reality TV audition could spark the creation of a groundbreaking business empire? For Josh Lefers and Steve Wools, it all began at the Big Brother auditions. Steve made it to the final round, while Josh, despite signing off to join the show, didn’t make the final cut on opening night. Instead of seeing this as a setback, the duo turned it into the start of a 15-year journey of entrepreneurial success. Together, they have built a series of successful ventures, each contributing to their current triumph: Ballers Clubhouse.



The Perfect Formula for Hospo-tainment


Josh and Steve's story is a testament to how diverse experiences can contribute to a winning formula. Over the years, they have co-founded and run at least ten businesses, spanning various industries from film production to advertising, consumer goods, and nightlife.


  • Film Production: They were Executive Producers for "A Boy Called Sailboat," an award-nominated film featuring Oscar-winner JK Simmons.

  • Advertising: Their agency, Big Dog Creative, operated in Australia and Japan, managing client spends up to $50 million.

  • Consumer Goods: Legends Condoms, with playful titles like "Dutch Fitting Consultants," found nationwide success in Woolworths.

  • Beverage Industry: E9th Brewing collaborated with Snoop Dogg and created category-leading products like Lick Pier alcoholic ginger beer.

  • Entertainment Touring: They toured major acts with their company in partnership with TEG/Paul Dainty.


  • Nightlife: Pawn & Co., a club praised by Forbes as one of the world’s most dazzling venues.

  • Television: They hosted and co-produced two Foxtel series, "Freeshit Men" and "Josh and Steve's 8 Ball."


Crafting the Ultimate Competitive Socialising Experience


Combining these varied experiences, Josh and Steve perfected what they call "hospotainment" – a unique blend of hospitality and entertainment. Ballers Clubhouse offers a multi-game experience unlike any other, featuring games like ping pong, shuffleboard, and interactive darts, each with multiple variations developed by their in-house tech team at Superverse Group.


“Our in-house tech team has been crucial in developing these unique game variations,” explains Steve. “From footy darts, where players score football goals based on dart throws, to interactive ping pong with dynamic scoring, we ensure a fresh and engaging experience every time our guests visit.”



A Personal Perspective from Josh and Steve

A Personal Perspective from Josh and Steve


“We’ve created venues that are truly unique,” says Steve Wools. “Our background in tech, nightlife, and entertainment has allowed us to innovate and redefine what a social venue can be.”



“Our journey has been wild,” Josh Lefers adds. “From running clubs to developing reality TV shows, each experience taught us something valuable. At the time, we didn’t realize it, but we were perfecting the formula for 'hospotainment.'"



The Competitive Socialising Trend


Globally, competitive socialising is on the rise. In the UK, 71% of consumers have engaged in such activities in the past year. This trend is particularly strong among Gen Z, with 93% participating. Younger men are eager to try new experiences like VR gaming bars, while younger women lean towards traditional activities. Interestingly, offering female-only nights could encourage more women to explore these novel activities.



Despite economic pressures, the sector shows resilience. Lawrence Brown's research indicates a surge in interest, with competitive socialising venue visits rising from 27% to 37% in just a year. This trend is driven by Gen Z and Millennials, who seek more interactive and engaging social experiences.



Taking Over Australia


Josh and Steve are set to pioneer this trend in Australia. Ballers Clubhouse is poised to disrupt the market with its immersive and varied gaming experiences. Their vision is clear: to lead the competitive socialising wave Down Under. They already have two flagship venues in Melbourne, which have collectively generated over $20 million in revenue.


“We’re opening our next venue in Adelaide this July,” Steve reveals. “It’s the first of four new locations launching across four states this year. We believe Australia is about five years behind the UK in this trend, and we’re excited to lead the charge.”

Conclusion

A new standard for Competitive Socialising


From a missed opportunity on reality TV to creating a competitive socialising empire, Josh and Steve’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging diverse experiences to craft something truly unique. With Ballers Clubhouse, they are not just following a trend; they are setting new standards and leading the way in hospotainment. As they expand across Australia, their innovative approach is sure to make a significant impact, offering a glimpse into the future of social entertainment.