Some events, like the cited example of award shows, have their outcomes decided on before they are announced. If I gain this ability after that the decision is made but before the outcome is announced, then I could place a wager on it now without impacting anything in the past. This is where the “depending on the timing” qualifier comes into play and why I said “already decided but not yet announced”.
The only way I can think of arguing against this is that OPs words were “not affect anything” (emphasis mine). OP does not state that you can’t have an effect specifically on the past. OP says you can’t affect anything.
You would be using knowledge you didn’t have to affect your future.
Maybe I want clear enough, so allow me to expand.
Some events, like the cited example of award shows, have their outcomes decided on before they are announced. If I gain this ability after that the decision is made but before the outcome is announced, then I could place a wager on it now without impacting anything in the past. This is where the “depending on the timing” qualifier comes into play and why I said “already decided but not yet announced”.
The only way I can think of arguing against this is that OPs words were “not affect anything” (emphasis mine). OP does not state that you can’t have an effect specifically on the past. OP says you can’t affect anything.
You would be using knowledge you didn’t have to affect your future.