Two soccer enthusiasts, Kevin Okoto and Austin Franklin, are each earning $50,000 to watch all 106 World Cup games from a glass enclosure in Times Square. The unique arrangement is a collaboration between Fox One and Indeed, which sought applicants for the role of "Chief World Cup Watchers" through the job board site Indeed. Applicants were required to submit a brief video explaining why they deserved to be paid to watch soccer.
Okoto, 26, from Jacksonville, Florida, and Franklin, 29, from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, were selected for the position. They have spent countless hours inside the glass cube, described as a "mancave snowglobe," located in the heart of Times Square. Tourists and passersby can observe their every move, a situation Okoto likened to appreciating zoo animals. Franklin, however, stated he feels as comfortable as if he were in his own living room.
The "Chief World Cup Watchers" are not only compensated for watching the games but have also hosted celebrity visitors. Their favorite aspect of the experience has been interacting with the thousands of international fans who have gathered in Times Square for World Cup celebrations. Franklin recounted an instance where he joined a crowd of Brazilian fans, was given a flag, and told he had a "Brazilian spirit," leading him to support Brazil for the remainder of the tournament, despite his usual allegiance to Arsenal.
Okoto shared a similar sentiment, describing the excitement of witnessing Paraguay defeat Germany. He noted the engagement with the crowd watching from outside the glass enclosure. The two fans have reported no negative interactions from the public, with onlookers sometimes asking them to adjust their position to get a better view of the games.
The duo is nearing the end of their 106-game viewing commitment. The promotional event aims to engage soccer fans and capitalize on the global excitement surrounding the World Cup.