*Please note: Linus' video often freezes throughout the episode due to connection issues. We apologise for the technical difficulties and appreciate your understanding!
In this episode of The Average Not Average Podcast, CK Yew and Viktor Axelsen sit down with Linus Sebastian — founder of Linus Tech Tips and Linus Media Group — to talk badminton and business.
Linus and his wife Yvonne opened Smash Champs, a high-end badminton centre in Surrey, BC, Canada. We explore why he entered the badminton industry, what it takes to build and run a large-scale sports facility, and how it compares to running one of the internet's biggest media operations.
Chapter Timestamps:
00:47 Introduction to Linus Sebastian
04:06 How Linus Discovered Badminton
07:04 Why Badminton Is A Complete Sport
10:18 Badminton’s Potential In North America
13:26 Creating Smash Champs Badminton Club
15:43 Designing The Badminton Facility
19:38 The Challenge Of Drift In Badminton
24:22 Costs Of Building A High-Tech Badminton Club
25:46 Choosing The Right Flooring
27:51 Designing The Right Lighting
31:50 The War Between Contractors
34:46 The True Return On Investment
36:05 Badminton Clubs In Denmark
39:28 The GOAT 2026 Tournament & 15-Point Scoring
41:19 Running A Media Company Vs Smash Champs
42:55 Making Custom Broom Stands
44:58 Why Clubs Should Offer Rental Rackets & Shoes
51:39 Revenue Streams At Smash Champs
53:57 Impact Of The Right Badminton Community
56:47 Business Lessons
01:00:58 From Professional Sport To Entrepreneurship
01:02:40 The Story of Linus Playing Against Viktor Axelsen
01:08:40 Badminton’s Unwritten Rules
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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaveragenotaverage/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theaveragenotaverage
Keep in touch with CK & Viktor here:
- CK's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkmY5ThPy3GLINI0m06ffaQ
- Viktor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkuVto4oGsgdEisvXlUaHvg
- CK's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ckyew_official/
- Viktor's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viktoraxelsen/
You can also find our conversations on:
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BwlJdllHEuttY24Jbcrz8?si=d5-BYAQkSoG7pMhKdskf4Q
- Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-average-not-average-podcast/id1797766159- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxuJfUZRhZn4s5SDKoS_Vw
