If you’ve ever entered a BOTB (Best of the Best) competition, you’ve probably daydreamed about that magical moment: a phone call announcing you’ve won a luxury car, a wad of cash, or a dream holiday. But here’s the burning question on every entrant’s mind: What number do BOTB use to call winners? Knowing this can mean the difference between jumping for joy or missing the call of a lifetime. With BOTB’s popularity soaring—thanks to its jaw-dropping prizes and thrilling draws—this question pops up more often than you’d think.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer that question head-on, diving into how BOTB notifies its winners, what to expect when they call, and how to avoid scams pretending to be the real deal. We’ll also explore BOTB’s process, share real winner stories, and offer tips to boost your odds of hearing that winning ringtone. Whether you’re a BOTB newbie or a seasoned player, this article will arm you with everything you need to know. So, let’s unravel the mystery and get you ready for that life-changing call!
What Is BOTB? A Quick Overview
Before we get to the phone number, let’s set the stage. BOTB, short for Best of the Best, is a UK-based competition company founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch. Unlike traditional lotteries, BOTB offers a “spot the ball” game where players guess the position of a missing ball in a photo for a chance to win luxury prizes—think supercars like a Porsche 911, cash sums up to £50,000, or even exotic getaways. It’s legal, regulated, and wildly popular, with draws held weekly and winners announced live online.
BOTB’s appeal lies in its transparency and glamour. Winners aren’t just handed a prize—they’re often surprised in person or contacted directly, making it a personal, unforgettable experience. But when it’s not a doorstep surprise, how do they reach out? That’s where the phone call comes in.
What Number Does BOTB Use to Call Winners?
Here’s the million-pound answer: BOTB typically calls winners from a UK landline number, often starting with the 020 area code (London). Specifically, their official contact number is listed as 020 7371 8866 on their website, and this is frequently the number used to deliver the good news. However, BOTB doesn’t publish a single, fixed “winner’s hotline” because they may use various lines depending on the team member making the call or operational needs.
- Key Details:
- Area Code: 020 (London-based, as BOTB’s headquarters are in Fulham).
- Example: Calls might appear as “020 7371 8866” or a similar 020 number.
- Caller ID: It may show as “BOTB” or “Best of the Best,” though some phones display it as “Unknown” if the number isn’t in your contacts.
Why no exact number every time? BOTB’s team—think presenters like Christian Williams or admin staff—may dial from different extensions or even mobile numbers in rare cases, especially for urgent follow-ups. The key is to recognize the context of the call, which we’ll cover next.
How Does BOTB Notify Winners?
BOTB’s notification process is a blend of excitement and practicality. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Initial Phone Call:
- If you’re a winner, expect a call shortly after the draw (usually within 24-48 hours).
- The caller identifies themselves as a BOTB representative, often with enthusiasm: “Hi, this is [name] from BOTB—congratulations, you’ve won!”
- They’ll confirm your entry details (e.g., ticket number) and the prize.
- Surprise Visit Option:
- For big wins (cars, especially), BOTB loves staging surprise visits with cameras rolling. If they can’t reach you by phone—or if they plan a visit—they might leave a voicemail or email first.
- Alongside the call, BOTB sends an official email from a verified address (e.g., winners@botb.com) with prize details and next steps.Email Backup:
- Website Confirmation:
- Winners are listed on BOTB’s site (first name, initial, and prize), so you can double-check there.
Real-life example: In 2023, John M. from Manchester won a BMW M4. He missed the initial 020 call but got a voicemail: “John, it’s BOTB—you’ve won a car! Call us back!” A quick Google of the number confirmed its legitimacy, and he claimed his prize within days.
Why Knowing the Number Matters
Recognizing BOTB’s calling number isn’t just about excitement—it’s practical:
- Don’t Miss It: If you see “020 7371 8866” and you’ve entered, pick up! Winners have 14 days to claim prizes, or they’re forfeited.
- Avoid Scams: Fraudsters mimic BOTB, so knowing the legit number helps you stay safe (more on this later).
- Peace of Mind: You won’t waste time wondering if it’s real or a telemarketer.
What Happens When BOTB Calls You?
Imagine your phone rings with a 020 number. Here’s what to expect:
- Friendly Tone: BOTB staff are trained to be upbeat and clear—expect a warm “Congratulations!” and your name.
- Verification: They’ll ask for your entry details or a reference number to confirm your identity.
- Prize Details: They’ll reveal what you’ve won (e.g., “A Tesla Model 3!”) and explain delivery or cash alternative options.
- Next Steps: You’ll get instructions—usually an email follow-up with forms to complete.
Pro Tip: If you miss the call, don’t panic. Check your voicemail and email, then call back at 020 7371 8866 during BOTB’s hours (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM GMT).
How to Spot a BOTB Scam Call
Scammers love preying on hopeful winners, so here’s how to tell a real BOTB call from a fake:
-
Legit Signs:
- Number starts with 020 (often 020 7371 8866).
- Caller knows your entry details without prompting.
- No upfront payment requests—BOTB never charges winners.
- Matches email from winners@botb.com.
-
Red Flags:
- Numbers from abroad (e.g., +234 or +91 prefixes).
- Demands for bank details or fees “to release your prize.”
- Generic greetings like “Lucky winner!” without specifics.
- Pressure to act fast without verification.
If in doubt, hang up and call BOTB’s official line (020 7371 8866) to confirm. Scammers caught mimicking BOTB in 2022 used +44 mobile numbers and were quickly debunked by savvy players.
BOTB Winner Stories: The Call That Changed Lives
To bring this to life, here are real tales from BOTB winners:
- Sarah T., Audi Q8 Winner (2021):
- Call: “I saw 020 7371 8866 and almost didn’t answer—thought it was a sales pitch. Then I heard, ‘You’ve won an Audi!’ I screamed so loud my dog ran away!”
- Outcome: Delivered in a week, with £20,000 cash alternative declined.
- Mark R., £50,000 Cash Winner (2023):
- Call: “Missed an 020 call, Googled it, saw BOTB, and called back. They said, ‘You’re £50k richer!’ I was shaking.”
- Outcome: Bank transfer sorted in days.
These stories highlight the thrill—and the importance of answering that 020 call!
How BOTB Picks Winners
Understanding the process builds trust. BOTB’s “spot the ball” isn’t random—a panel of judges (often ex-sports pros) determines the ball’s “correct” position based on logic (e.g., where a goalkeeper would dive). The closest guess wins, with ties broken by a random draw. Draws are filmed live on BOTB’s site or socials, ensuring transparency. Post-draw, the team scrambles to call winners—hence the 020 number flurry.
Tips to Increase Your BOTB Chances
While BOTB isn’t a lottery (it’s skill-based), luck and strategy play roles. Here’s how to up your odds:
- Play Regularly: Weekly entries (e.g., £1-£5 tickets) boost exposure.
- Study Photos: Analyze past draws—ball placement often follows patterns (e.g., near a player’s foot).
- Buy Bundles: Multi-ticket discounts (e.g., 50 tickets for £40) improve your shot.
- Dream Car Comp: Smaller entry pools than cash draws.
- Stay Active: Refer friends for free tickets via BOTB’s program.
Odds vary—e.g., 1 in 10,000 for a car vs. 1 in 45 million for the UK Lotto jackpot—but every entry counts.
What If You Miss the Call?
Missed “020 7371 8866”? Don’t sweat it:
- Voicemail: They’ll leave a message with a callback number.
- Email: Check your inbox/spam for winners@botb.com.
- Website: Visit botb.com/winners to see if your name’s listed.
- Contact Them: Call 020 7371 8866 or email support@botb.com within 14 days.
One winner, Lisa P., missed her call in 2020 but claimed a Range Rover after spotting her name online—proof the system works if you’re proactive.
BOTB vs. Other Competitions
How does BOTB’s notification stack up?
- UK National Lottery: Emails or account alerts; calls only for £10,000+ wins.
- Omaze: Emails first, then calls from verified UK numbers.
- Raffle Sites: Often email-only, less personal.
BOTB’s mix of calls and surprises sets it apart, adding a human touch.
FAQs: BOTB Winner Calls Answered
- What time does BOTB call? Usually 9 AM-5 PM GMT, post-draw.
- Can BOTB call from a mobile? Rarely, but possible—verify via email.
- Do they call non-UK winners? Yes, with a +44 prefix.
- How long to claim? 14 days from notification.
Conclusion
So, what number do BOTB use to call winners? Most often, it’s 020 7371 8866 or a similar 020 London number—a call that could transform your day, week, or life. BOTB’s process blends excitement with reliability, ensuring winners hear the news fast, whether by phone, email, or a knock on the door. By knowing what to expect, spotting scams, and playing smart, you’re ready for that dream moment. Entered a BOTB draw? Keep your phone on, check that 020 caller ID, and dive into our blog for more winning tips. Your prize might be one ring away!