Latest news with #Luongo
Business Insider
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Bitcoin Venture Studio Thesis* Acquires Lolli Rewards Platform to Kick Off BTC Ecosystem Expansion
New York, New York, July 2nd, 2025, Chainwire Bitcoin Venture Studio Thesis* Acquires Lolli Rewards Platform to Kick Off BTC Ecosystem Expansion Known as one of the longest standing and most accessible crypto rewards platforms, Lolli will now join the Thesis* ecosystem alongside Fold, tBTC, and Mezo to establish a circular Bitcoin economy Thesis*, the venture studio behind Bitcoin-native successes such as Fold, Mezo, and tBTC, today announced its acquisition of Lolli, the leading Bitcoin rewards platform. This acquisition represents a strategic move to accelerate mainstream Bitcoin adoption by significantly enhancing consumer experiences through expanded rewards, faster payouts, and innovative partnerships. Matt Luongo, co-founder of Fold and CEO of Thesis, will lead Lolli into its next phase of growth. Under Luongo's leadership, Fold became the first publicly traded Bitcoin financial services company, pioneering Bitcoin rewards for everyday transactions. With this acquisition, Luongo brings that same proven vision and operational excellence to Lolli. "Having competed alongside Lolli for years, I've admired their ability to onboard users through accessible and engaging experiences," said Matt Luongo. "At Thesis, we believe Bitcoin's real growth is driven by everyday interactions—shopping, gaming, spending—not just investment portfolios. Together, we're creating the easiest and most rewarding entry point for millions to join the Bitcoin economy." What's Next for Lolli? With Luongo at the helm, the immediate roadmap for Lolli is centered on significant, user-focused improvements: An Upgraded Arcade & Daily Stack: Two of Lolli's most popular features will see a major evolution with more games, new quests, and bigger daily rewards. Preparing for Global Expansion: The mission to make bitcoin accessible to everyone doesn't stop at the U.S. border. We are actively developing our strategy for international expansion to bring Lolli to new countries and regions. A New Partnership with Fold: The two companies are already collaborating on entirely new ways for users to earn, including an expanded gift card marketplace that will bring more brands and opportunities to users globally. Simplified, Instant Payouts: Addressing one of the most requested features from the community, Lolli will roll out a new system later this year to deliver instant reward payouts and more options for redeeming earnings. Strengthening Collaboration with the Thesis* Portfolio The driving force behind this acquisition is to expand the Bitcoin consumer experience, seeking to address the long-standing fragmentation between using Bitcoin and earning on it. By uniting Lolli's rewards with the capabilities of Fold and the broader Thesis ecosystem, Luongo and his experienced team aim to close the loop between earning and using Bitcoin. Users will soon benefit from shared innovations, including expanded offerings through a new "Lolli Market," featuring more brands, higher cashback rates, and global accessibility. This integration will provide seamless opportunities to earn and spend Bitcoin in everyday life. "We are excited to join forces with Thesis to power the next phase of bitcoin adoption through rewards with Lolli," said Alex Adelman, Founder and former CEO of Lolli. "We've always aimed to make Bitcoin easy, fun, and rewarding for everyone. With Thesis' deep infrastructure expertise and shared vision, we can significantly enhance our platform and accelerate global adoption." Streamlining for Growth To deliver these ambitious enhancements, Thesis will undertake essential infrastructure upgrades, including migrating Lolli to a more robust, scalable system. Since its inception in 2018, Lolli has rewarded over 600,000 users with more than $20 million in Bitcoin through everyday shopping, gaming, and online activities. Thesis' acquisition solidifies a powerful alliance committed to expanding practical, accessible, and rewarding Bitcoin experiences worldwide. About Lolli: Lolli was founded in 2018 as the first bitcoin rewards application allowing users to earn bitcoin and cashback when they shop at 50,000+ top stores and play 1,000+ mobile games. Lolli was created with the goal of making it easy to earn, own, and share bitcoin with as many people as possible. About Thesis: Thesis is a venture studio dedicated to building on Bitcoin. Since 2014, Thesis has been committed to empowering individuals and communities through the creation of market-leading products including Fold, Mezo, tBTC, and more. Thesis is driven by innovation and a belief in a sovereign digital future. Contact Thesis*
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Stanley Cup Final Game 6 live updates: Florida Panthers can clinch title tonight
Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers is at 8 p.m. (really about 8:20 p.m., but the main broadcast on TNT starts at 8) Tuesday from Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena. Florida leads the best-of-7 series 3-2, meaning the Panthers can repeat as Stanley Cup champions with a win on Tuesday. Follow along throughout the game for live updates, news, analysis and commentary. Luongo on the drum The Panthers will turn to former goaltender and current special advisor to the general manager Roberto Luongo for the pregame drum banging ahead of Game 6 on Tuesday. Luongo was the guest drummer banger ahead of Game 7 of the Cup Final last season, which Florida eventually won 2-1 to claim its first Stanley Cup in franchise history. It worked that time, so why mess with things? Plus, the Panthers are 3-0 over the past three postseasons when one of their own bangs the drum ahead of the game. The others were Billy Lindsay ahead of Game 6 in Round 1 against the Boston Bruins in 2023 and Keith Yandle ahead of Game 4 in Round 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs this year. Read the full story here. Series schedule ▪ Game 1 — Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (overtime): The Panthers had a two-goal lead early in the second period but couldn't hold on as Edmonton tied the game early in the third and won it on a Leon Draisaitl power-play goal with 31 seconds left in overtime. ▪ Game 2 — Panthers 5, Oilers 4 (double overtime): The Oilers tied the game with 17.8 seconds left in regulation to force overtime for a second consecutive game. Brad Marchand scored the game-winner 8:05 into the second OT period to secure the Florida win and even the series 1-1. ▪ Game 3 — Panthers 6, Oilers 1: The Panthers dominated from start to finish, with six different players scoring and Sergei Bobrovsky stellar in net, before the game unraveled in the final 10 minutes. ▪ Game 4 — Oilers 5, Panthers 4 (overtime): The Panthers blew a 3-0 lead as Edmonton, tied the game with 19.5 seconds left in regulation and then lost when Leon Draisaitl scored on a backhanded shot 11:18 into overtime. ▪ Game 5 — Panthers 5, Oilers 2: Brad Marchand scored a pair of highlight-reel goals and the Panthers played probably their best defensive game of the series to move within one win of repeating as champions. ▪ Game 6: Tonight ▪ Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 20, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Edmonton's Rogers Place Pregame reading Need to catch up ahead of Game 6? Here are the highlights of the Miami Herald's coverage over the past few days. ▪ With a chance to win the Stanley Cup at stake, it's 'another day in paradise' for the Panthers ▪ Now one win from repeat, why Panthers feel better equipped this year to close out Cup Final ▪ How Matthew Tkachuk went from uncertain to start playoffs to 'best I felt' with Panthers near repeat ▪ Panthers' playoff road dominance has them in record book and one win from repeat ▪ 'We would not be in this position without him': Panthers rely on Sergei Bobrovsky in playoff run ▪ Sam Bennett scores 15th goal of playoffs, keeps making Stanley Cup history ▪ Brad Marchand joins exclusive list with latest Stanley Cup Final goals
Miami Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
What's the Panthers' playoff record based on who bangs the drum? A team-by-team breakdown
The Florida Panthers have gotten some big names in the South Florida sports world and beyond to take part in their pregame drum banging ceremony over their Stanley Cup Final runs the past three years. It started with former Panthers forward Billy Lindsay, an original Panther who was part of Florida's first ever Cup Final team in 1996 and is now part of the team's radio broadcast, banging the drum ahead of Game 6 in the first-round against the Boston Bruins in 2023. It has continued ever since, with 29 total pregame performances. The stars have done their job of hyping up the crowd pregame. Perhaps no one did it bigger than when former Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo put up an emphatic performance ahead of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers last season, a game Florida eventually won 2-1 for its first Stanley Cup in franchise history. With the Panthers once again in position to win a championship, up 3-2 on the Oilers entering Game 6 of their Cup Final rematch on Tuesday, expect a big name to get the Amerant Bank Arena crowd going before the 8 p.m. puck drop. But who? The Panthers haven't said directly, although Luongo posted a GIF on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account Monday of Will Ferrell from the movie 'Step Brothers' banging on a drum set with the caption 'Warming up in the bullpen.' But beyond the star power attention, is there a trend with how the Panthers fare on the ice based on the team with whom the drum banger is affiliated? Let's get this out of the way early: No, the Miami Dolphins are not a curse for the Panthers as some fans are posturing on social media. People with Dolphins ties have made nine appearances banging the drum prior to a Panthers playoff game over the past three years, and Florida has gone 6-3 in that stretch — including 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final. Granted, two of those losses have come in their past two appearances, with current defensive lineman Zach Sieler in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final and Hall of Fame defensive lineman Jason Taylor in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final this year. In fact, here is how the Panthers' win-loss record breaks down based on the team the person banging the drum is affiliated with (with one-offs or people not affiliated one of South Florida's professional sports teams lumped together): ▪ Miami Heat: 4-0 — Udonis Haslem, Goran Dragic, Alonzo Mourning and Bam Adebayo. ▪ Florida Panthers: 3-0 — Lindsay in Game 6 of Round 1 against Boston in 2023, Luongo in Game 7 of the 2024 Cup Final and Keith Yandle in Game 3 of the second round against Toronto in 2025. ▪ Miami Marlins: 3-1 — wins with Jeff Conine, Juan Pierre and Livan Hernandez; a loss with Charles Johnson. ▪ Miami Dolphins: 6-3 — wins with Mike McDainiel (twice), Dan Marino, Jalen Ramsey, Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith; losses with Raheem Mostert, Sieler and Taylor. ▪ Miscellaneous: 3-3 — wins with UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, social media personalities A.J. and Big Justice, and rapper Trick Daddy; losses with NFL players Mike White and Mark Ingram plus drummer Jason Bonham ▪ Golfers: 0-2 — Jack Nicklaus did it in the 2024 Cup Final and Brooks Koepka in the 2023 Cup Final, with Florida falling in both games. ▪ Inter Miami: 0-1 — midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi is Inter Miami's lone representative here, banging the drum before Game 3 of Round 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning this year. The full game-by-game breakdown, in chronological order, is below. 2023 First Round Game 6: Former Panthers forward Billy Lindsay (W) Second Round Game 3: Former Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (W) Second Round Game 4: NFL quarterback and Plantation native Mike White (L) Eastern Conference final Game 3: Former Marlins outfielder Jeff Conine (W) Eastern Conference final Game 4: Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel (W) Stanley Cup Final 3: Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (W) Stanley Cup Final 4: Golfer Brooks Koepka (L) 2024 First Round Game 1: Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (W) First Round Game 2: Former Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (W) First Round Game 5: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (W) Second Round Game 1: Drummer Jason Bonham (L) Second Round Game 2: Former Marlins outfielder Juan Pierre (W) Second Round Game 5: Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (L) Eastern Conference final Game 3: NFL running back Mark Ingram (L) Eastern Conference final Game 4: Former Marlins pitcher Livan Hernandez (W) Eastern Conference final Game 6: UFC fighter Kamaru Usman (W) Stanley Cup Final Game 1: Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel (W) Stanley Cup Final Game 2: Former Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (W) Stanley Cup Final Game 5: Golfer Jack Nicklaus (L) Stanley Cup Final Game 7: Former Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (W) 2025 First Round Game 3: Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi (L) First Round Game 4: Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (W) Second Round Game 3: Social media personalities A.J. and Big Justice (W) Second Round Game 4: Former Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle (W) Second Round Game 6: Former Marlins catcher Charles Johnson (L) Eastern Conference final Game 3: Rapper Trick Daddy (W) Eastern Conference final Game 4: Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler (L) Stanley Cup Final Game 3: Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (W) Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jason Taylor (L)
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Fresh start to fuel forgotten Socceroo's World Cup fire
Massimo Luongo's manager at Ipswich Town has heaped immense praise on the departing Australian, labelling him the "best free signing in football history". Kieran McKenna has confirmed Luongo will leave the club when his contract expires next month, having played a vital role in their rapid rise from League One to the Premier League. Luongo's decision, according to McKenna, stems from a desire to play more minutes at club level and ultimately feature in next year's World Cup should the Socceroos qualify. The 32-year-old retired from international football in 2024 then changed his mind later in the year, having been included in the first squad picked by new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. But an untimely ankle setback meant that return never eventuated, with injuries repeatedly proving a source of frustration throughout the midfielder's stop-start career. Luongo was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2014 and 2018 but his crowning moment came when named MVP of the 2015 Asian Cup, having helped the hosts win the tournament. And McKenna fully believes Luongo, who made 10 league appearances this season as the Tractor Boys stumbled to relegation in their first season back in the top flight, is far from finished. "He can do a really good job still. He's still in good condition, he's training really well," he said. "He's got a really good chance to push on next year and be a big player for someone and, hopefully, play in the World Cup and all those things. "That's really about what the decision is based around ... it's the right decision for all parties. "He deserves to go and start a lot of games next season and hopefully push on and be an important player and earn his spot in the Australia squad if they can qualify for the World Cup." Luongo joined Ipswich in 2023 after being released by Middlesbrough, having previously had a loan stint at Portman Road in 2012. "He's been an incredible player for the club," McKenna said. "If you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history. "From a football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view, and I've said this to him, I think he's the best player I've worked with, and I've worked with some really good players. "His football brain is outstanding. He's a competitor and it's been really good to have him here." Ipswich Town's clash with West Ham United on Monday morning (AEST) shapes as Luongo's farewell fixture, while McKenna was noncommittal about the future of fellow out-of-contract Australian Cam Burgess. "There are still conversations going on with the club," he said. Massimo Luongo's manager at Ipswich Town has heaped immense praise on the departing Australian, labelling him the "best free signing in football history". Kieran McKenna has confirmed Luongo will leave the club when his contract expires next month, having played a vital role in their rapid rise from League One to the Premier League. Luongo's decision, according to McKenna, stems from a desire to play more minutes at club level and ultimately feature in next year's World Cup should the Socceroos qualify. The 32-year-old retired from international football in 2024 then changed his mind later in the year, having been included in the first squad picked by new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. But an untimely ankle setback meant that return never eventuated, with injuries repeatedly proving a source of frustration throughout the midfielder's stop-start career. Luongo was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2014 and 2018 but his crowning moment came when named MVP of the 2015 Asian Cup, having helped the hosts win the tournament. And McKenna fully believes Luongo, who made 10 league appearances this season as the Tractor Boys stumbled to relegation in their first season back in the top flight, is far from finished. "He can do a really good job still. He's still in good condition, he's training really well," he said. "He's got a really good chance to push on next year and be a big player for someone and, hopefully, play in the World Cup and all those things. "That's really about what the decision is based around ... it's the right decision for all parties. "He deserves to go and start a lot of games next season and hopefully push on and be an important player and earn his spot in the Australia squad if they can qualify for the World Cup." Luongo joined Ipswich in 2023 after being released by Middlesbrough, having previously had a loan stint at Portman Road in 2012. "He's been an incredible player for the club," McKenna said. "If you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history. "From a football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view, and I've said this to him, I think he's the best player I've worked with, and I've worked with some really good players. "His football brain is outstanding. He's a competitor and it's been really good to have him here." Ipswich Town's clash with West Ham United on Monday morning (AEST) shapes as Luongo's farewell fixture, while McKenna was noncommittal about the future of fellow out-of-contract Australian Cam Burgess. "There are still conversations going on with the club," he said. Massimo Luongo's manager at Ipswich Town has heaped immense praise on the departing Australian, labelling him the "best free signing in football history". Kieran McKenna has confirmed Luongo will leave the club when his contract expires next month, having played a vital role in their rapid rise from League One to the Premier League. Luongo's decision, according to McKenna, stems from a desire to play more minutes at club level and ultimately feature in next year's World Cup should the Socceroos qualify. The 32-year-old retired from international football in 2024 then changed his mind later in the year, having been included in the first squad picked by new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. But an untimely ankle setback meant that return never eventuated, with injuries repeatedly proving a source of frustration throughout the midfielder's stop-start career. Luongo was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2014 and 2018 but his crowning moment came when named MVP of the 2015 Asian Cup, having helped the hosts win the tournament. And McKenna fully believes Luongo, who made 10 league appearances this season as the Tractor Boys stumbled to relegation in their first season back in the top flight, is far from finished. "He can do a really good job still. He's still in good condition, he's training really well," he said. "He's got a really good chance to push on next year and be a big player for someone and, hopefully, play in the World Cup and all those things. "That's really about what the decision is based around ... it's the right decision for all parties. "He deserves to go and start a lot of games next season and hopefully push on and be an important player and earn his spot in the Australia squad if they can qualify for the World Cup." Luongo joined Ipswich in 2023 after being released by Middlesbrough, having previously had a loan stint at Portman Road in 2012. "He's been an incredible player for the club," McKenna said. "If you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history. "From a football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view, and I've said this to him, I think he's the best player I've worked with, and I've worked with some really good players. "His football brain is outstanding. He's a competitor and it's been really good to have him here." Ipswich Town's clash with West Ham United on Monday morning (AEST) shapes as Luongo's farewell fixture, while McKenna was noncommittal about the future of fellow out-of-contract Australian Cam Burgess. "There are still conversations going on with the club," he said.
Perth Now
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Fresh start to fuel forgotten Socceroo's World Cup fire
Massimo Luongo's manager at Ipswich Town has heaped immense praise on the departing Australian, labelling him the "best free signing in football history". Kieran McKenna has confirmed Luongo will leave the club when his contract expires next month, having played a vital role in their rapid rise from League One to the Premier League. Luongo's decision, according to McKenna, stems from a desire to play more minutes at club level and ultimately feature in next year's World Cup should the Socceroos qualify. The 32-year-old retired from international football in 2024 then changed his mind later in the year, having been included in the first squad picked by new Socceroos coach Tony Popovic. But an untimely ankle setback meant that return never eventuated, with injuries repeatedly proving a source of frustration throughout the midfielder's stop-start career. Luongo was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2014 and 2018 but his crowning moment came when named MVP of the 2015 Asian Cup, having helped the hosts win the tournament. And McKenna fully believes Luongo, who made 10 league appearances this season as the Tractor Boys stumbled to relegation in their first season back in the top flight, is far from finished. "He can do a really good job still. He's still in good condition, he's training really well," he said. "He's got a really good chance to push on next year and be a big player for someone and, hopefully, play in the World Cup and all those things. "That's really about what the decision is based around ... it's the right decision for all parties. "He deserves to go and start a lot of games next season and hopefully push on and be an important player and earn his spot in the Australia squad if they can qualify for the World Cup." Luongo joined Ipswich in 2023 after being released by Middlesbrough, having previously had a loan stint at Portman Road in 2012. "He's been an incredible player for the club," McKenna said. "If you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history. "From a football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view, and I've said this to him, I think he's the best player I've worked with, and I've worked with some really good players. "His football brain is outstanding. He's a competitor and it's been really good to have him here." Ipswich Town's clash with West Ham United on Monday morning (AEST) shapes as Luongo's farewell fixture, while McKenna was noncommittal about the future of fellow out-of-contract Australian Cam Burgess. "There are still conversations going on with the club," he said.
