*By Jacqueline Corba*
Fox Sports is teaming up with IBM to offer soccer fans a unique experience during this year's World Cup.
The tech giant's artificial intelligence system Watson is powering a cognitive-based platform that lets fans make their own customized highlight videos throughout the tournament.
"It's about unlocking that fan experience wherever folks are in the United States," Robert Schwartz, Global Leader of Strategy and Design at IBM iX, the company's digital ad agency, told Cheddar's Peter Gorenstein at the Cannes Lions festival. "It is a huge opportunity to tap into that fan passion."
Dubbed the FIFA World Cup ["highlight machine,"](https://www-935.ibm.com/services/ibmix/case-studies/fox-sports.html) the platform allows fans to browse FIFA's archive of current and past matches. IBM's Watson compiles and analyzes the footage based on the user's commands. The software also encourages users to share their clips on social media.
Schwartz says IBM iX is looking to roll out this platform for fans of other professional sporting events, including this summer's U.S. Open tennis tournament.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/world-cup-powered-by-artificial-intelligence).
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DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said West Virginia is the company's next, best opportunity for replicating the monster success it's seen in New Jersey as it rolls out a mobile sportsbook in the Mountain State. "West Virginia is an early mover and I think they're being smart and thoughtful about how they actually legislated and regulated," Robins told Cheddar Friday.
After the gymnastics world was rocked by a major sex abuse scandal, the sport's most decorated Olympic athlete says education for child athletes can protect them from similar abuse in the future. The Magnificent Seven's Shannon Miller told Cheddar that fear of abuse should never prevent young athletes from pursuing their sport.
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Riot's COO is suspended, Fortnite vaults the Infinity Blade, and Overwatch League announces its plans for Season 2. Featuring beastcoast CEO Grant Zinn, University of Califonia and Irvine Director of Esports Mark Deppe. Plus - EndGameTV COO Aiden McCaig previews Smash Ultimate's first major, Don't Park on the Grass 2018.
China is considering banning battle royale games, the legendary Virtus.Pro roster disbands, and the Winter Royale is ruined by the Infinity Blade.Featuring interviews with Ghost Gaming's Kayuun, DC Overwatch Assistant GM Kate Mitchell, StackUp Director of Veteran Services Dave Crouse, and a Capcom Cup preview with Amanda Stevens.
