Editing Futtradingempire (section)

=== Decline (2022–2026) ===

Following the 2021 peak, Futtradingempire experienced a sustained decline in revenue. Peak monthly revenue fell from €10,500 in 2021 to approximately €10,000 in 2022, €6,000 in 2023, €3,800 in 2024, €2,122 in September 2025, and €800 in January 2026—representing a 92% decline over four years.

Multiple factors contributed to this decline. The FIFA franchise itself experienced reduced popularity, with Hartung describing the game as having "completely tanked." Instagram's algorithm changes made organic reach increasingly difficult for gaming content, and the simple screenshot-based content that had worked in 2017 no longer generated engagement. Additionally, the departure of Ben left Hartung struggling to manage all aspects of the business alone, including content creation, community management, and marketing.

As of January 2026, the company retained approximately 40 paying members at €20 per month.