Fantasy football is a phenomenon whose appeal seems to be growing exponentially. 7.4 million players are registered to the Premier League’s fantasy platform alone this season, a season which has seen the growth of the entity from our phones and laptop screens to on our radios and TVs, with podcasts and programmes dedicated solely to the art of fantasy football. We are keen to assess why it is proving so popular and why we are so addicted to selecting a team of players every weekend with the vision of them playing well and thereby scoring the most points for our respective teams.
I am currently in my sixth season as a fantasy football player. Though I only play casually, the notion of choosing my team every Saturday morning seems inescapable. In my first season, I participated in one mini-league consisting of five players, this season I am in three – the largest of which has 20 players. However, these numbers will, I’m sure, be dwarfed by many players worldwide. Though, it is the concept of the mini-league where I wish to draw my attention.
Fantasy football is greatly enhanced by its effortless social aspect. It is easy to look at your mates’ teams and tell them how they are rubbish, and follow by explaining how yours is far superior. The mini-leagues facilitate a form of friendly-competition which no one is averse to. We all love to win, especially against our friends, and there is something very sweet about a week which sees us gain more points than them. Having successfully scored the most points, one may conclude that their overall knowledge of football must be better than their counterparts – “if you knew more than me, why didn’t you pick the right players?” This combination of competition with the feeling of possessing stronger football intelligence than our friends serves as a huge appeal to participate in fantasy football.
Another aspect of fantasy football is the degree to which it is a personal sensation. At the start of the season, I can pick my own team who I (often incorrectly) believe will score the most points. But what is special about that is the fact that my team is specific to me – it is hugely unlikely that my mates will pick the same teams in the same ways. The power of choice and the multiple ways to spend my metaphorical £100 million makes it feel like the fantasy experience is tailored specifically to me. I can be proud when my team performs well for it was I who selected it.
This leads me on to the vested interests that fantasy football gives rise to (during matches in which we would be otherwise neutral). The amalgamation of competition with the pride felt when the players I select score points leaves me supporting players and teams in a completely different way to how one usually would. This form of support is incredibly unique and energising. We love football, but we always want more. Being able to support the game in a way different to how we usually would deepens our investment in football. I could be in a pub in London, but witness celebrations ensue following a Sheffield United goal scored by John Lundstram (a fantasy football cult hero of this season). Such celebrations would be reciprocated at the end of the game should Sheffield United keep a clean sheet as many players would see points accrue for their team.
I see that pub scene as one which encapsulates the beauty of fantasy football perfectly. A social way to become further invested in our favourite sport is undoubtedly a bearer of joy for all football fans across the globe. Fantasy football has become part of the furniture in the house which is our beautiful game, and for many it is their favourite recliner.
I am currently in my sixth season as a fantasy football player. Though I only play casually, the notion of choosing my team every Saturday morning seems inescapable. In my first season, I participated in one mini-league consisting of five players, this season I am in three – the largest of which has 20 players. However, these numbers will, I’m sure, be dwarfed by many players worldwide. Though, it is the concept of the mini-league where I wish to draw my attention.
Fantasy football is greatly enhanced by its effortless social aspect. It is easy to look at your mates’ teams and tell them how they are rubbish, and follow by explaining how yours is far superior. The mini-leagues facilitate a form of friendly-competition which no one is averse to. We all love to win, especially against our friends, and there is something very sweet about a week which sees us gain more points than them. Having successfully scored the most points, one may conclude that their overall knowledge of football must be better than their counterparts – “if you knew more than me, why didn’t you pick the right players?” This combination of competition with the feeling of possessing stronger football intelligence than our friends serves as a huge appeal to participate in fantasy football.
Another aspect of fantasy football is the degree to which it is a personal sensation. At the start of the season, I can pick my own team who I (often incorrectly) believe will score the most points. But what is special about that is the fact that my team is specific to me – it is hugely unlikely that my mates will pick the same teams in the same ways. The power of choice and the multiple ways to spend my metaphorical £100 million makes it feel like the fantasy experience is tailored specifically to me. I can be proud when my team performs well for it was I who selected it.
This leads me on to the vested interests that fantasy football gives rise to (during matches in which we would be otherwise neutral). The amalgamation of competition with the pride felt when the players I select score points leaves me supporting players and teams in a completely different way to how one usually would. This form of support is incredibly unique and energising. We love football, but we always want more. Being able to support the game in a way different to how we usually would deepens our investment in football. I could be in a pub in London, but witness celebrations ensue following a Sheffield United goal scored by John Lundstram (a fantasy football cult hero of this season). Such celebrations would be reciprocated at the end of the game should Sheffield United keep a clean sheet as many players would see points accrue for their team.
I see that pub scene as one which encapsulates the beauty of fantasy football perfectly. A social way to become further invested in our favourite sport is undoubtedly a bearer of joy for all football fans across the globe. Fantasy football has become part of the furniture in the house which is our beautiful game, and for many it is their favourite recliner.
Written by: Ben Rowe
Edited by: 3-At-The-Back
Edited by: 3-At-The-Back