There's no shame in losing and not feeling any shame over losing and leaning into the gloater's self-congratulations generally tends to suck the wind from their sails.
Either be sincere or be over-the-top sarcastic with your congratulations because like you say, it's a worthless accomplishment, it means nothing so there should be little emotional attachment in the outcome.
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The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.
If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing. —Malcolm X
Make America Great (Depression) Again