One day, a group entered Watto's shop looking for a replacement hyperdrive piece for the Royal Starship of Naboo. The leader of the group a jedi master, named Qui-Gon Jinn try to paid for the pieces with Republic credits. When Watto refused, the jedi tried to apply a jedi mind trick on him,without success.

  However, Watto's greed was his weakness, and Qui-Gon learned about this he decide to use it as an advantage. Anakin Skywalker was known to be a great pod racer pilot and soon there would be a race held on Boonta Eve. Qui-Gon proposed this to the toydarian: if Ani wins they will split the prize money in half minus the cost for the replacement parts, if he loses then Watto will take the ship. The winged creature accepted the deal.

  Qui-Gon, knew Watto was betting heavily against Anakin, so he decided to bet on Anakin's freedom. Qui-Gon decided to take on that bet also, so if the boy wins he would be free.

  When the race was over, and Anakin was triumphant over all the other racers, specially the favorite Sebulba, Watto tried to refuse the deal with Qui-Gon, however when the wise jedi threat him on settle the matter with the Hutts, Watto's only choice was to accept defeat.

  Maybe without knowing it, the little toydarian was pivotal on developing young Anakin's destiny.