We've all heard claims about 'psychic animals' rightly predicting world cup outcomes every four years only for us to lose our mortgage when chancing our luck. Well, don't mope because Hot Takes and Tough Questions returns this time with a sensational World Cup edition with no one other than sweepstake sensei Jack. Will he be able to turn your luck and bring fortunes? It'll be an essential read for sure!
Hottest Takes and the Toughest Questions
Will Holland have a chance? Or will it be France? Will McTominay do another bicey? and Messi once again take the golden pricey? We’re here to find the latest on the upcoming WC with Marketing and Student Recruitment Guru, Jack Wills.
More so, there are many mysterious facts to be revealed about this seasoned Sweepstake Master. And these, as you probably guessed, may prove to be essential in picking the most succesful team. Or will he play a trick and pick the winner himself? Read it all here in the sensational third and latest edition of Hot Takes and Tough Questions
Jack, before we chat about football, what’s your favourite inside joke?
I’m an equal opportunist; I don’t care if my jokes are inside or out.
Nice, nice. Well, quizzing you on something for inside: if not cheese, what do you think is due to be fondued?
The world is going overboard on the pistachio love. Let’s fondue those bad boys and try and get people off the trend!
Yeah but don't go "nuts" hahaha. Spontaneous music question. What’s the best volume?
For music? I don’t have a number, but usually two marks above the warning pop up you get for loud listening. And you didn’t ask, but the best TV volume is 13.
For cartoons surely.
Early-season How I Met Your Mother, obviously!
Alright then. What chore feels most like a prison sentence and why?
Drying and putting away the dishes. The juxtaposition after a calming relaxing dish wash as you wet your tea towel and clatter pots and pans is a form of personal hell. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time I suppose.
We very much agree! Jack, do you believe in life after love?
Duh, have you ever seen a vampire romance? Or is that love after life…?
Well, something inside me says I don’t think vampires are strong enough, oh noo. How about Scotland’s chances to lift the trophy?
Slim, but hey, where there’s a McGinn there’s a win!
Spoken like a true bard. What football player will carry out their horoscope the best this WC?
I don’t know about horoscopes, but can I talk about destiny?
Yes, please!
I see a deep Portugal run. Can Ronaldo join Messi as a World Cup winner? Probably not, no. But the narratives are there.
Interesting. What team do you think will carry out the most disgusting tackles?
Colombia. Nothing to base that on other than their shithousery at 2018. Can I say shithousery in a work Q&A…?
Yes, you can because it was. If only Uribe had scored in the 90th with that stunning kick. Interestingly they happen to be my team in this WC's sweepstake. Oh, speaking off, tell us about the sweepstakes.
I’ve not seen a segway that nice since GOB in Arrested Development! I’m glad you asked. So, I run a lot of sport leagues in my personal life, to the point where some friends call me Jack Wills Casinos llc. I co-ran a Euro 2024 sweepie with Sarah McGilivaray in 2024 and we had a blast doing it.
It’s just a nice way to bring some friendly competition to like-minded people during a big football festival! But anyway, it’s £15 to play, numbers-dependant you’ll get either one team, or one good and one bad team, and there are prizes to be won for a range of aspects.
I’m sure our readership can’t wait to take part. Now, a question on everyone’s lips: what are the prizes like?
Prizes are lovely! The big Kahuna is for being drawn the tournament winner. There are smaller prizes for runner up and worst team, and others for top scoring player and dirtiest team. If we can get 48 players then we’ll add in more, but this is a good split for 24 players.
Nice, nice. Now in other news, I heard you became a dad over a year ago. Do you have any tips for new parents among our readership?
Listen to the advice. You never know what absurd situation you’ll be in at 4am and where snippets of conversations and memories come from.
Sagacious words! A Sweepstake Master, fondue expert, and father – how would you reflect on these journeys to ultimate mastery?
Ever seen the Aziz Ansari show? What’s that called? Oh yeah, Master of None!
Great show, particular season 3. Any other things you enjoy doing?
Sleeping, red wine, playing five-a-side, craft beer, long walks on the beach, artisan gin….
Then, in your day-to-day life you work, you work in the marketing and student recruitment team. Are there any things you would like to tell our potential students?
If you haven’t applied, come to an open day! The lecturers are brilliant and you get free Borders Biscuits! If you are a student, become a student ambassador, we pay!
Had I already said you’re a true bard? Okay, World Cup summed up in three words:
Traditionally? I’d say legacy; iconic; fanzone.
2026? Corrupt; greedy; wrong,
Thank you Jack!
No no, thank you.
Jack Wills was interviewed by Jeroen. Do you have it take to go through a rapid question round that's tougher than that Shumacher/Battison '82 World Cup tackle? Let him know and maybe it's you who stars in the next edition of Hot Takes and Tough Questions.
Give the Sweepstakes a go if you feel fortunate and give our previous sensational editions with Mike and Blair a read!