{{Draft topics|internet-culture|video-games}}
{{Draft topics|internet-culture|video-games}}
{{AfC topic|product}}
{{AfC topic|product}}
Draft: Subsoccer
Subsoccer Ltd. is a Finnish company that designs and manufactures bench soccer games under the brand name Subsoccer. The concept combines elements of football and table games, allowing players to play soccer while seated on benches facing each other.
Subsoccer Ltd. is a Finnish company that designs and manufactures bench soccer games under the brand name Subsoccer. The concept combines elements of football and table games, allowing players to play soccer while seated on benches facing each other.
⸻
History
History
The game was invented by Finnish designer Jarno Saarinen during a family holiday in Spain in 2008. The first prototype was built in Saarinen’s backyard and later evolved into a patented commercial product.
The game was invented by Finnish designer Jarno Saarinen during a family holiday in Spain in 2008. The first prototype was built in Saarinen’s backyard and later evolved into a patented commercial product.
<ref>{{cite news |title=Subsoccer vie suomalaisen penkkifutiksen maailmalle |newspaper=Helsingin Sanomat |date=2023-05-10 |url=https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000009965964.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |language=fi}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |title=Subsoccer vie suomalaisen penkkifutiksen maailmalle |newspaper=Helsingin Sanomat |date=2023-05-10 |url=https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000009965964.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |language=fi}}</ref>
⸻
Concept and gameplay
Concept and gameplay
Subsoccer is played by two players sitting opposite each other on benches, with a transparent barrier enclosing the field. The goal is to kick the ball under the opponent’s bench to score.
Subsoccer is played by two players sitting opposite each other on benches, with a transparent barrier enclosing the field. The goal is to kick the ball under the opponent’s bench to score.
<ref>{{cite web |title=Patented Design – Subsoccer |website=Subsoccer.com |url=https://www.subsoccer.com |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Patented Design – Subsoccer |website=Subsoccer.com |url=https://www.subsoccer.com |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
⸻
Products
Products
Subsoccer’s product line includes several models aimed at different environments:
Subsoccer’s product line includes several models aimed at different environments:
<ref>{{cite web |title=Products |url=https://www.subsoccer.com/game/ |website=Subsoccer.com |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Products |url=https://www.subsoccer.com/game/ |website=Subsoccer.com |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
⸻
Global reach and events
Global reach and events
Subsoccer games have been showcased at major sporting and public events, including UEFA fan festivals and international exhibitions.
Subsoccer games have been showcased at major sporting and public events, including UEFA fan festivals and international exhibitions.
<ref>{{cite news |title=Subsoccer, Pickleball, Roundnet: La noche del deporte viaja al futuro |newspaper=Marca |date=2025-05-31 |url=https://www.marca.com/otros-deportes/2025/05/31/subsoccer-pickleball-roundnet-noche-deporte-viaja-futuro.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |language=es}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |title=Subsoccer, Pickleball, Roundnet: La noche del deporte viaja al futuro |newspaper=Marca |date=2025-05-31 |url=https://www.marca.com/otros-deportes/2025/05/31/subsoccer-pickleball-roundnet-noche-deporte-viaja-futuro.html |access-date=2025-11-12 |language=es}}</ref>
⸻
Intellectual property
Intellectual property
In October 2024, investigative outlet Bellingcat reported that 1 v 1 Subsoccer games appeared on unlicensed online sports streams, quoting the company’s statement that “the games shown in the images are illegal copies of our patented product and infringe on the patent granted to us.”
In October 2024, investigative outlet Bellingcat reported that 1 v 1 Subsoccer games appeared on unlicensed online sports streams, quoting the company’s statement that “the games shown in the images are illegal copies of our patented product and infringe on the patent granted to us.”
<ref>{{cite news |title=1xBet Hosts Thousands of Amateur Sports Streams on its Website |newspaper=Bellingcat |date=2024-10-21 |url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/10/21/1xbet-hosts-thousands-of-amateur-sports-streams-on-its-website/ |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite news |title=1xBet Hosts Thousands of Amateur Sports Streams on its Website |newspaper=Bellingcat |date=2024-10-21 |url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/2024/10/21/1xbet-hosts-thousands-of-amateur-sports-streams-on-its-website/ |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
⸻
Reception
Reception
Finnish newspapers Helsingin Sanomat and Ilta-Sanomat have described Subsoccer as an innovative Finnish sports invention gaining international attention.
Finnish newspapers Helsingin Sanomat and Ilta-Sanomat have described Subsoccer as an innovative Finnish sports invention gaining international attention.
<ref>{{cite web |title=Subsoccer | Startup 100 Finland |website=Startup 100 Finland |url=https://startup100.net/company/subsoccer |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Subsoccer | Startup 100 Finland |website=Startup 100 Finland |url=https://startup100.net/company/subsoccer |access-date=2025-11-12}}</ref>
⸻
==
==
See also ==
• Finnish design
• Finnish design
• Sports in Finland
• Sports in Finland
⸻
== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
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== External links ==
== External links ==
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Finnish bench soccer game invented by Jarno Saarinen
Subsoccer Ltd. is a Finnish company that designs and manufactures bench soccer games under the brand name Subsoccer. The concept combines elements of football and table games, allowing players to play soccer while seated on benches facing each other.
History
The game was invented by Finnish designer Jarno Saarinen during a family holiday in Spain in 2008. The first prototype was built in Saarinen’s backyard and later evolved into a patented commercial product.
[1]
Subsoccer Ltd. was founded in Helsinki to develop and market the invention globally. In 2021, the company launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Subsoccer 3 model on Indiegogo in 2021.
[2]
By the early 2020s, Subsoccer had expanded internationally, with products sold in more than 70 countries.
[3]
Concept and gameplay
Subsoccer is played by two players sitting opposite each other on benches, with a transparent barrier enclosing the field. The goal is to kick the ball under the opponent’s bench to score.
The design enables indoor and outdoor play and is used in homes, offices, schools, and event venues.
[4]
The Subsoccer concept is protected by international patents and design registrations.
[5]
Products
Subsoccer’s product line includes several models aimed at different environments:
• Subsoccer S3 — a portable home and office version
• Subsoccer S7 — a larger model for public events, hotels, and entertainment spaces
• Subsoccer Arcade — a commercial arcade version developed in cooperation with Sega Amusements International Ltd.
[6]
In cooperation with Finnish materials manufacturer Aikolon Oy, the tabletop of the Subsoccer 7 model uses a hard-coated polycarbonate sheet known as Aikon PC Hard, designed for durability and outdoor use.
According to the supplier, the material had been delivered to 66 countries by early 2023.
[7]
The aluminium frame components are manufactured in Finland by Mäkelä Alu Oy, which has described Subsoccer as “the world’s most popular table football game” and noted millions of video views on social media.
[8]
All models can be customized with logos and colors for brand activation and marketing purposes.
[9]
Global reach and events
Subsoccer games have been showcased at major sporting and public events, including UEFA fan festivals and international exhibitions.
[10]
In June 2022, the New York Post featured Subsoccer in an article and video highlighting New York City’s game-themed bars, describing it as “a one-of-a-kind, under-the-table soccer game” available at Slate in Chelsea.
[11]
In October 2024, Oracle Red Bull Racing featured Subsoccer during the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix weekend, inviting fans to participate in a bench-soccer challenge.
[12]
In December 2022, Fox News featured Subsoccer on Fox & Friends, where hosts Pete Hegseth and Will Cain competed in the game on air. The video was also posted on the Fox News Facebook page.[13]
In June 2025, FC Tokyo announced that Subsoccer would be featured at its home matches, offering fans a one-on-one “sit-down” soccer experience during pre-match entertainment.
[14]
In October 2022, Subsoccer was announced as a sponsor of the Football Content Awards, with reported sales to 56 countries and over 600 million social media video views of the game.
[15]
The Finnish business daily Kauppalehti has reported on the company’s growth and investment rounds.
[16]
In May 2025, the Spanish sports daily Marca listed Subsoccer among innovative emerging sports such as pickleball and roundnet.
[17]
Intellectual property
In October 2024, investigative outlet Bellingcat reported that 1 v 1 Subsoccer games appeared on unlicensed online sports streams, quoting the company’s statement that “the games shown in the images are illegal copies of our patented product and infringe on the patent granted to us.”
[18]
Reception
Finnish newspapers Helsingin Sanomat and Ilta-Sanomat have described Subsoccer as an innovative Finnish sports invention gaining international attention.
[19]
The technology magazine Tekniikka & Talous also covered the invention, describing it as a Finnish-developed ball game aiming to become a global phenomenon.
[20]
The game has been featured by international trend and startup outlets such as Trend Hunter and Startup 100 Finland, which have highlighted its design and export potential.
[21]
[22]
See also
• Finnish design
• Sports in Finland
References
External links
• Official website
• Subsoccer on Instagram
• Subsoccer on YouTube
